Why do christians perform acts of service?

Answer 1

Serving others is a way of patterning your life on the way Jesus lived his It is also obeying numerous Biblical teachings and principals to put others first, to treat others as you would like to be treated yourself, and to bear one another's burdens

Well, being an Atheist, I see no point in living a lifestyle based upon religion. I do, however, see living a life style that is well balanced and giving, to be the most rewarding. If you are selfish and have no desire to help another then so be it. But volunteering at the local animal shelter, crisis center, or a senior citizen home is a good way to help the community, and a good way to feel like you can make a difference. Instead of throwing your clothes away take them to Salvation Army, or give old baby toys and goods to a teen mom program that can help better the future of these young moms and their offspring.

If you don't have time, or old things to pass on to some one else then smiles and kind words are often a good source of happiness. Give a helping hand, a listening ear, a truly caring friend is hard to come by. Whether you are Christian, Atheist, Buddhist, or what have you, helping others can be good for all parties involved.

Answer 2

I will give you two answers for this. The first has to do with where it began, and the second has to do with the basis for it.

Service from the Church comes directly from Jesus' teachings. In Mark 9:33-34, we are told that the disciples were arguing about which of them was the greatest. In Mark 9:35, Jesus said, "If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all." In John 13, Jesus began washing his disciple's feet. In doing this, he gave the example to us of serving others. He said that even though he was the Lord and Teacher, he still is serving them, showing that one must serve to be like him. When asked what the greatest commandment is, Jesus said that the Greatest is to love God, and the second is to love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:34-40).

The reason that serving is so important has to do with the nature of God. In 1 John 4:7, as well as in other places, we are told that, "God is love." In verses 20-21 we are told the impact. "If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother." This is because, when you become a Christian, you allow God to dwell in your heart. Since God is love, we are to love others to show our love. The way that we show love is to serve. In Galatians 5:13, we are told to "serve one another in love". In Galatians 5:14 the reason is given, "The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself."" And in Galatians 6:2, we are told that the law of Christ is to carry each others burdens.

Overall, the reason that Christians serve is because through his love Christ gave his life that we might be able to live with him, and he wants us to share that love with others by serving in whatever ways we can.

Answer 3

When you do service for anyone, you are also doing service for Christ--check out Matthew 25:31-46.