Picture: Counsel #11 — Relief in Serving CWe 71.1
Serving others is a meaningful way to reduce stress because it gives you something else to focus on outside of what’s bothering you. When you focus on meeting the needs of others, it shifts your attention away from your worries and helps you gain perspective on life’s challenges. CWe 71.2
Sometimes, being engulfed in our stresses can trick us into believing that life is about what we want and what we can’t have. In reality, we were created by God to be a light to others, share His word, and help those who need it the most. Instead of having this perspective, many people only worry about themselves, which increases stress and diminishes joy whenever something bad or unfortunate happens. Instead of self-absorption, God wants us to look for opportunities to engage in acts of service such as volunteering, mentoring, or simply offering a kind gesture to a stranger in public. Over time, serving others will not only help to alleviate chronic stress and release endorphins but will also better align you with God’s will.[84] https://stewardship.adventist.org/page509 CWe 71.3
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” Romans 12:10 NIV CWe 71.4
“In doing for others, a sweet satisfaction will be experienced, an inward peace which will be a sufficient reward.” Ellen White in Christian Service, p. 271 CWe 71.5
Reflect: How often do you serve others each week? CWe 71.6
