Serving Others

[CoreyD]

Is serving others a good, or bad thing?
Serving others is one of the greatest gifts given to man from God.

Most people think of a servant negatively... as something to look down upon, or frown at.
However, this is because of how the world has evolved, and how its thinking has been shaped.

The meaning of servant is simply, one that serves others.
From the very beginning, it was a privilege to be a servant, since it involves showing gratitude - an outward expression of thankfulness.

Is this good, or bad?
Note what the facts show.
Giving thanks can make you happier

The word gratitude is derived from the Latin word gratia, which means grace, graciousness, or gratefulness (depending on the context). In some ways, gratitude encompasses all of these meanings. Gratitude is a thankful appreciation for what an individual receives, whether tangible or intangible. With gratitude, people acknowledge the goodness in their lives. In the process, people usually recognize that the source of that goodness lies at least partially outside themselves. As a result, being grateful also helps people connect to something larger than themselves as individuals — whether to other people, nature, or a higher power.​

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In positive psychology research, gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness. Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships.​

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...most of the studies published on this topic support an association between gratitude and an individual's well-being​

There is a connection between showing gratitude, and well being, and therefore, showing gratitude - serving others, is positive - it is a good thing.
Consider the first person to show gratitude in this way...
The first servant. Isaiah 42:1; Isaiah 61:1; Matthew 12:18; Zechariah 3:8; Acts 3:13, 26; Acts 4:27-30

Jesus, certainly had reasons for showing gratitude to the Most High. John 1:3, 4; Colossians 1:15-17
This is one reason he was so happy to serve. Matthew 20:28; Matthew 23:11
Jesus was a servant, foremost to God, then to others.

Serving others truly brings the greatest joy!
Acts 20:35 ...remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, who said, "it is a greater happiness to give than to receive."
We have so much to be thankful for. So showing gratitude to God, for all that he has done... all that he has given us, and all that God is doing, and will do... giving and will give, helps us be happy servants of the living God... and in turn we serve others joyfully.

What a wonderful spiritual gift this is.