Rules for serving - All The Word for Today Daily Devotionals for 2026

Romans 12:9 NLT

When it comes to serving others, try to live by these three rules:

1) Serve sincerely. 'Don't just pretend to love others. Really love them.' God knows your heart, so be honest with yourself about your true motives in serving and sacrificing for others. If you need help in this area, turn to the Scriptures: 'For the Word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword... and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart' (Hebrews 4:12 NKJV).

2) Serve silently. 'When you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet... that [you] may have glory from men' (Matthew 6:2 NKJV). Note the words, 'do not sound a trumpet'. When people take your kindness for granted or fail to appreciate the things you do for them, don't toot your own horn. Look to God for your reward, not people; otherwise you'll be disappointed. 'As the eyes of servants look to the hand of their masters... so our eyes look to the Lord our God' (Psalms 123:2 NKJV).

3) Serve selectively. You're not called to go to every place, meet every need, and help every person. On two different occasions God stopped Paul from going into Asia to preach the gospel. But look what happened next: 'And a vision appeared to Paul in the night. A man of Macedonia stood and pleaded with him, saying, "Come over to Macedonia and help us."...immediately we sought to go to Macedonia, concluding that the Lord had called us to preach the gospel to them' (Acts 16:9-10 NKJV). Why is this important to know? Because when God guides you, He provides for you!

Soul food: Exo 28-29; John 4:27-38; Ps 100; Pro 26:27-28