3 Ways to Serve Your Community Today

The only way to improve the neighborhood or community we live in is to serve. To make an effort to make a difference in the lives of those around us. It might not be on a large scale, but we can all make a personal contribution, which can make all the difference in the world. Here are three ways that can help you to serve your community.

1. See the Needs

When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

Matthew 9:36 (NIV)

Sometimes we have to open our eyes to see what is right in front of us. We can never fulfill the needs of our community if we aren’t looking for them. We have to keep our eyes open to the opportunities that are there and even in our own homes or families. We won’t be able to serve the people in our neighborhoods if we can’t help those who we live with or grew up with. Sometimes the quickest way to make an impact is to help around the house and fill the needs there. That will create a heart that is always looking for needs when you are in your community.

2. Reach Out

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.

Matthew 7:7 (NIV)

We will never get the opportunity to serve if we never reach out and ask around. Go to your local community center and see what they have available. Look online for programs in your neighborhood that you can volunteer for. Head over to the nearest shelter and ask how you can serve. You’ll never have the chance to make a difference if you don’t go out and ask around to find where your help is needed.

3. Play to Your Strengths

He has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work as engravers, designers, embroiderers in blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen, and weavers—all of them skilled workers and designers.

Exodus 35:35 (NIV)

What are you good at? What are things that interest you or that you have strengths in? Use those things to serve your community. If you are good at soccer, help the youth in your community by coaching soccer. If you are a great cook, make food for those who have a hard time putting food on the table. We all have things we are good at, so keep it simple and serve with your strengths.