I showed up to a 7am meeting earlier this week and a few of my students and a teammate showed up with flowers and a card for me. These students are part of my residence hall staff that I interact with at least a few times a week. The card was filled with messages of care, prayers, and support after the loss of my college roommate two weeks ago today. This was a blessing on many levels.
First of all, I of course felt loved and seen in the midst of my grief. Beyond that, it was a sign that some of the characteristics I hope we’re building within that team–trust, authenticity, care–are actually present. Their messages mentioned feeling supported by me and offered support to me. This meant that I must have found ways, intentionally or not, to not just serve them but let myself be served by them even though technically I am their “boss”. When we talk about abundant life in community this is part of it, allowing others to serve and care for us.
It’s striking to me to consider what I just wrote in the same week that I’ve heard this scripture multiple times:
“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45
In multiple ways this week, I’ve been reminded all about the sacrificial service of Jesus and that service instead of being served is a mark of life in Christ. I also learned a lot this week about some times when being served can also bring abundant life especially in the context of community. We see this in Jesus’ life too.
One of the stories explored in my new Abundant Life Bible Study is the story of the Samaritan woman in John 4. Jesus engages conversation with this woman by asking simply, “Will you give me a drink?” (John 4:7). Ultimately, He does end up being the main servant in this situation, but the door to being able to serve opens when He invites her to serve Him first. He offers her living water to quench her deepest longings only after asking her to provide a drink for Him to deal with His earthly human thirst.
While there are no sessions labeled specifically about “community” in the Bible Study that just came out, I hope that people find it to be a thread woven throughout every session. What I’ve come to discover is that hope, freedom, purpose, and other key characteristics of abundant life are almost impossible outside of the context of relationship. Whether it’s grabbing coffee with a friend to talk about what’s going on, studying God’s Word around a table, in interactions with your kids or spouse, or even in more professional relationships, we need each other. I believe rich, full, satisfying life is not possible when walking through our days completely alone.
Yes, I think the default posture of our hearts should be toward serving others. Even in times of need and grief this can help us keep our focus outward instead of inward which leads to despair. However, don’t forget occasionally to let other people around you be the ones in the serving role as well. This, among many other things, is how we build authentic community and live an abundant life.
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Looking for a place to connect in community and grow together toward abundant life in Jesus? I’m hosting an Online Bible Study during the Easter season working through the Abundant Life Bible Study Guide. It will take place on Thursdays beginning April 4 at 7pm Central Time. Sign up today to join us! You can pick up a copy of the book at Chapters Books and Gifts in Seward, NE or order it online here.
bekahfreed.com 