How Do We Please God Through Service?
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III speaks about service as one of the greatest ways through which a person pleases God, because it is a practical expression of love for God and for people. The true servant does not work by his personal power, but participates with God in His work for the salvation of souls and the building of the Kingdom.
The Essence of Spiritual Service
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains that God cares for His children and carries their burdens, and the servant says to God: “I want to work with You and carry the burdens of people with You.” Therefore, every act of love offered to people is actually offered to God Himself, just as Christ said: “I was hungry and you fed Me.”
Service Is Participation with God
Service is not merely a social activity or human work, but it is a divine work in which man participates with God. The servant is a tool used by God to build the Body of Christ and lead souls to repentance and salvation. Therefore, Saint Paul described himself and the servants as “workers together with God.”
God’s Call to Service
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III points out that God calls man to work in His vineyard, just as He called Isaiah, Moses, Jeremiah, and Jonah. Some of them tried to excuse themselves or flee, but God insisted on sending them because the salvation of souls is very precious to Him. The faithful servant is the one who responds quickly and says: “Here am I, send me.”
Service as the Fruit of Love
Service in its spiritual meaning is practical love, for the love of God cannot be separated from the love of people. Whoever loves God cares for His children, grieves over the destruction of souls, and seeks to save them with love and sacrifice. Therefore, service is a love that gives, sacrifices, and saves others.
The Glory of Servants in the Kingdom
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III confirms that those who serve with God will have great glory in the Kingdom, because they labored for the salvation of others and the building of the Church. Service is not a small matter, but a great spiritual honor that makes man a partner in the work of the Holy Spirit.
A Call to Repentance and Action
The lecture concludes with a clear call for every person to move in serving others, and not to be satisfied with love in words only, but with practical love shown through caring for the salvation of souls and serving the children of God, because this is the true way to please God.
“For better translation support, please contact the center.”
