The Spirit of Service
The Spirit of Service
In remembering the manner of our fathers the apostles in their service, we receive ideal practical lessons in the spirit of service, among which we mention:
1- The Fervor and Zeal of Service:
How beautiful is the saying of the Apostle Paul in this regard: “Who is made to stumble, and I do not burn?” (2 Cor. 11:29), and his saying: “I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more. To the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak… I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some” (1 Cor. 9:19–22). His zeal, in ardent love, embraced all.
2- Pastoral Visitation in Service:
Our fathers the apostles did not establish ministries and leave them without follow-up. On the contrary, they followed up their service and visited it by various means: by epistles, by disciples sent from them, as Paul used to send Titus or Timothy. Often they visited them through special visits, as Saint Paul said in his love-filled phrase: “Let us now return and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they are” (Acts 15:36).
3- Service Filled with the Spirit and Power:
The apostles did not serve until the Holy Spirit had come upon them, and they received from Him power for service, as the Lord said to them: “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me” (Acts 1:8).
And how beautiful is the Scripture’s saying: “And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all” (Acts 4:33).
Indeed, how beautiful what was said about Saint Stephen, that he “was full of faith and power,” and he stood against the synagogues, “and they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke” (Acts 6:8, 10). It is the nature of spiritual service: it is powerful, because it is by the Spirit, and because “the word of the Lord is living and powerful.”
4- Service Filled with Love:
The Lord Jesus “having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end” (John 13:1), and with the same love the apostles served. It was not merely an official service.
For better translation support, please contact the center.
