There are times in our walk with God when He burdens our hearts with something we’d rather not talk about. Not because it’s unimportant, but because it feels so sensitive. That’s exactly how I felt before writing this. For days, I prayed and wrestled with God, asking Him:
“Lord, who am I to say anything when I myself am imperfect? What if I sound judgmental? What if people misunderstand?”
But I couldn’t shake off the stirring in my heart. I realized that the reason I felt unworthy was precisely because I am unworthy on my own. Like every believer, I fall short. I still struggle with my words, my thoughts, and my walk. Yet God, in His grace, reminded me that He speaks through weak vessels too. And sometimes, sharing honestly what burdens us can encourage not just others, but ourselves too.
So today, I want to write about something that I have seen and felt within the church. Not as a rebuke, but as a gentle reminder for myself and for anyone who serves the Lord:
the importance of guarding our words and serving with love.
When Ministry Becomes a Performance
Recently, during a special celebration in our church, I noticed something that deeply saddened me. In the busyness of practices, preparations, and the big day itself, I saw how easy it is for ministry to feel like just another task or even a performance. Some would perform passionately on stage, but then not pay attention to the service afterward. Others made comments in side conversations or made light jokes about someone’s image, not realizing how hurtful it could sound.
At first, I asked myself, “Am I being too sensitive? Is this just how things normally are?” But the more I prayed, the more I felt the Lord reminding me: ministry is not about performance; it’s about worship.
Serving the Lord is not simply about doing something for God—it’s about doing everything unto God. When we step on a stage, sing a song, or hold a microphone, we aren’t performers in front of an audience—we are worshippers before the King.
And when the song ends or the program is over, worship doesn’t stop. Worship continues in the way we listen, the way we honor the preaching of the Word, and the way we treat one another behind the scenes.
The Power of Words in the Church
The Bible is very clear about the power of our words. Jesus Himself said:
“For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” (Luke 6:45, NIV)
That means our words are not just empty sounds—they reveal what’s truly inside. And Paul reminds us:
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” (Ephesians 4:29, NIV)
Words matter. What we say can either build up or tear down. Sometimes what feels like a lighthearted joke to us can come across as criticism, gossip, or even disrespect to someone else. And in the church, where people—especially new believers—look to leaders and volunteers as examples, words carry even greater weight.
I remember a quote I once heard: “The tongue has no bones, but it is strong enough to break a heart.” It’s sobering, isn’t it? Our casual remarks, our laughter at someone’s expense, our careless conversations can unintentionally discourage those who are watching and listening.
That’s why Jesus gave such a strong warning:
“If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.” (Matthew 18:6, NIV)
Those words remind me that God takes this seriously. Causing a fellow believer—especially a new one—to stumble is no small thing.
And it doesn’t only happen through big sins; it can happen through our words, our attitudes, and even our indifference.
Ministry Is More Than Service
One of the lies we can easily fall into is thinking that ministry is about doing. As long as I show up, practice, and fulfill my role, I’ve done my part. But the truth is, ministry is not only about what we do, but also about who we are while we do it.
Paul says in 1 Corinthians 13:1–2:
“If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.”
Without love, our service is empty noise. We can sing beautifully, organize perfectly, preach powerfully—but if love is missing, it doesn’t glorify God. Ministry without love is like a lamp without light—it may look fine on the outside, but it fails to fulfill its purpose.
Jesus said the world would recognize His disciples by their love (John 13:35). That love is not just shown on stage, in programs, or in our visible roles. It’s shown in
- how we treat the person beside us,
- how we respect others’ efforts,
- how we encourage instead of criticize,
- and how we speak with kindness instead of sarcasm.
Three Practical Ways to Serve with Love
So how can we guard our words and truly serve with love? Here are three practical steps we can start living out today:
1. Pause Before You Speak
James 1:19 tells us: “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”
Serving with love often starts with slowing down our words. Before making a comment—whether in jest or in frustration—ask yourself:
“Will this build up or tear down? Will this encourage or discourage?”
Sometimes, simply pausing for two seconds before speaking can make the difference between words that heal and words that hurt.
2. Practice Encouragement Daily
Hebrews 10:24–25 urges us to “spur one another on toward love and good deeds… encouraging one another.” Serving with love means making encouragement a habit, not just an afterthought.
Take time to affirm your fellow volunteers, leaders, and churchmates. A simple “thank you for serving” or “I appreciate your heart” can go a long way.
Encouragement isn’t flattery—it’s speaking truth that strengthens others.
3. Remember That We All Need Grace
Sometimes we forget that those serving alongside us are also people with struggles, weaknesses, and needs. When we see their faults, let’s remember our own need for God’s grace.
Instead of joking about their shortcomings, we can
- pray for them,
- support them,
- and cover them in love.
Serving with love means remembering that we are not better than anyone—we are all recipients of God’s mercy.
A Call to Love and Humility
We’re all on this journey of guarding our words and serving with love, and I know I need the reminder just as much as anyone.
Paul’s encouragement in Romans 14:19 says it so well:
“Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.”
That is my prayer—for myself, my church, and for the wider body of Christ. That whether we are on stage, behind the scenes, or sitting in the pews, we would shine Christ’s light not just with what we do, but with how we love.
May our words heal, not harm. May our actions build, not break. And may our service always be more than a task—it may be worship, overflowing with love, humility, and the grace of God.
Final Encouragement
If you serve in church today, whether in worship, teaching, ushering, or any ministry, remember this: your words carry weight, and your example carries influence. What you say and how you treat others might encourage a weary soul, inspire a new believer, or strengthen someone’s faith.
So let’s be intentional. Let’s be careful. Let’s be loving. And let’s serve not only with excellence, but with the heart of Christ—because ministry is not about performance. It’s about love.
Let’s Journey Together
If this reflection encouraged you, I’d love for you to share it with a friend who might need the reminder too.
You can also like, leave a comment with your thoughts, or subscribe so you won’t miss future posts. Your engagement truly encourages me as I keep writing and sharing what God is placing on my heart. 💛
Faithfully,
Yani 💛
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