by love serve one another
William MacDonald teaches that true Christian greatness is found in selfless love expressed through serving one another.
In this sermon, William MacDonald explores the biblical call to serve one another through love, highlighting inspiring real-life examples of sacrificial service. He challenges believers to embrace humility and selflessness as marks of true Christian greatness. Drawing from Galatians 5:13, MacDonald encourages practical acts of love that reflect Christ’s heart in a world often dominated by selfishness.
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“…by love serve one another.” (Gal. 5:13)
Someone has said, “Self thinks itself great and is served. Love serves and is great.”
A popular Gospel singer witnessed to the man sitting next to him in a restaurant and had the joy of leading him to Christ. In the weeks that followed, he discipled this new convert. Then Fred, the new believer, was stricken with inoperable cancer and was taken to a convalescent hospital where, unfortunately, care was below standard. The Gospel singer, a radio celebrity, visited faithfully, changed the bed, bathed and fed his “Timothy”, and did many other things that the staff should have been doing. On the night Fred died, this well-known singer was holding him in his arms, whispering comforting verses of Scripture into his ear. “…by love serve one another.”
A senior instructor at a Bible School often found the men’s room awash after the morning rush. He would patiently clean the fixtures, then get down and wipe the floor dry. Not all his best teaching was done in the classroom. The students were humbled and inspired by the example of their respected teacher cleaning up after them. “…by love serve one another.”
In that same Bible School, a member of the basketball team had the heart of a true servant. After a game, when all the players would rush down to be first in the showers, he would stay in the gym and see that it was set in order for the next day. He “found in the selfishness of others an opportunity to identify himself afresh with the Lord as the servant of all.” “…by love serve one another.”
A Christian mother from rural Turkey was taken to London to donate a kidney for her ailing son. She assumed that to give a kidney would cost her life. When the English doctor asked if she was sure she was willing to give a kidney to her son, she replied, “I am willing to give two kidneys.” “…by love serve one another.”
In a world dominated largely by self-interest, the pathway of selfless, sacrificial service is not overcrowded. Opportunities beckon throughout every day for innovative acts of servanthood.
Sermon Outline
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I
- The greatness of love versus self-interest
- Illustration of the Gospel singer's sacrificial care
- The power of serving others in practical ways
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II
- Examples of humble service in everyday life
- The Bible School instructor's example of cleaning
- The basketball player's servant heart
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III
- Sacrificial love exemplified by a mother’s kidney donation
- The rarity of selfless service in a selfish world
- The call to seize daily opportunities for servanthood
Key Quotes
“Self thinks itself great and is served. Love serves and is great.” — William MacDonald
“…by love serve one another.” — William MacDonald
“He found in the selfishness of others an opportunity to identify himself afresh with the Lord as the servant of all.” — William MacDonald
Application Points
- Seek daily opportunities to serve others in practical and humble ways.
- Embrace sacrificial love as the true measure of Christian greatness.
- Let your actions reflect Christ’s servant heart, even in small tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main message of the sermon?
The sermon emphasizes that Christians are called to serve one another in love, reflecting Christ’s example of selfless service.
Why is serving others important in the Christian life?
Serving others demonstrates genuine love and humility, which are marks of true Christian character and obedience to God.
How can I apply this teaching in daily life?
Look for practical ways to help and serve those around you, even in small or unnoticed tasks.
What Bible verse is central to this sermon?
Galatians 5:13, which instructs believers to serve one another by love.
Does serving others require sacrifice?
Yes, true service often involves selflessness and sacrifice, following the example of Christ’s love.