Honestly, ministry or serving others is not always convenient. But it is always meaningful and rewarding in ways we cannot imagine.
When Jesus said, “I needed clothes, and you clothed me. I was sick, and you looked after me. I was in prison, and you came to visit me,” in Matthew 25:36, He made it clear that acts of service are an expression of love and empathy. More importantly, He shows us that when we serve others, we serve Him and, in contrast, please God and His will.
Ron understood this truth well. For over 12 years, he dedicated himself to ministering to the elderly. This includes particularly those who were shut-in or confined to nursing homes. It was a commitment he never wavered from. Every third Saturday of the month, regardless of the weather or how long his workday had been, Ron faithfully showed up for this commitment and service.
This was more than an obligation to him; it was a calling.
One Saturday, my daughter Stacey and I accompanied Ron. As we stepped into the nursing home’s activity room, we were met with an unexpected sight. We saw a group of elderly residents, all dressed as if attending a special event. The room was alive with anticipation, and their faces were glowing with happiness.
After warm greetings and friendly conversation, Gwen settled at the piano and began playing a familiar tune, “Yes, Jesus Loves Me.” As soon as the melody filled the room, the residents joined in. Their voices soulfully blend in a harmony of faith and gratitude. It was a simple song, but its impact was profound. For many of these residents, moments like this were a lifeline. It was a rare occasion when they felt truly connected to something beyond the walls of their confinement.
Ron’s message that day was brief. It was filled with encouragement. He wanted to leave time for one-on-one fellowship, ensuring that each person felt seen and valued. The group took turns reciting Scripture from memory, their words carrying both conviction and comfort. When the Benediction was given, I saw tears in some eyes, not of sorrow but of joy.
Later, I discovered that for many of these residents, volunteer organizations like Ron’s were their only visitors. Their world had become limited to staff and medical professionals. Some had outlived their families, while others had been forgotten by them. But in those few hours, Ron and his volunteers gave them something priceless. It was hope and recognition, love, and a reminder that they were not alone and are special.
As we left, I saw the effect the visit had on Stacey. Her usual youthful energy was replaced with quiet reflection. That night, she told me how deeply inspired she was by Ron and his ministry to serve the elderly. Realizing how much joy even a small act of kindness could bring, my daughter was able to see firsthand what it meant to be deliberate in service—to choose, with intention, to bring light into someone else’s life.
With this story, I (Delceta Walters Soberanis) can proudly say that serving others does not require grand gestures. Sometimes, it can be as simple as showing up, offering a smile, a listening ear, or a few moments of companionship to those who need it the most. Jesus also calls us to care for the forgotten and to be intentional in our acts of love.
Are we listening?
This is just one of the amazing and inspiring stories that I have shared in my devotional, “Morning Glory: 30 Days of Reflection.”
“Morning Glory: 30 Days of Reflection is my thirty-day journey of self-examination, healing, and personal growth through scripture, prayer, and reflection, which will help you to find composure and peace. Each daily entry focuses on a specific theme, such as gratitude, self-care, forgiveness, purpose, and more, to provide both biblical wisdom and practical application.
In this book, I share real-life experiences that make the messages relatable and impactful to readers like me. Each story is so easy to read and inspiring that it can help you to realize where you might be lacking and how you can improve your life with faith and devotion to God. By prompting you to seek reflection, the book challenges you to take an active role in your spiritual growth, urging us to journal, pray, and apply the lessons in our daily lives and respective routines.
If you are struggling with the past, it will help you let go of it. If you are seeking God, it will help you to embrace God’s grace and walk in faith with renewed purpose. Whether you’re new to devotionals or looking for a fresh spiritual reset, this book has the potential to offer the guidance that you need to strengthen your faith and spiritual connection with the LORD.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank You for the opportunity to share Your love with others. Help me to serve with compassion and generosity, always remembering that in serving others, I serve You. Amen.
Grab your copy on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D2YYRTH9.