Chris Ellison invites readers into a weeklong spiritual practice of humble service, encouraging Christ-like love, forgiveness and community renewal.
What if, for one week, we each committed to looking out for the needs of others before our own? Not as a performance, but as a spiritual practice – a way to align our hearts with the teachings of Christ.
Jesus offers us a model of radical love – one that isn’t self-seeking, but sacrificial (1 Corinthians 13:5). Matthew 20:28 says He came not to be served, but to serve.
We’re invited to follow His footsteps. When we shift our mindset from “What am I getting?” to “How can I bless others?”, we begin to build a community that reflects the very heart of God.
Practising the love of Christ daily
Here’s how the week could look: Start by listening generously – don’t rush to speak or fix, but offer your full presence. Try looking for small, unnoticed tasks and take them on with quiet joy. Or speak life into those around you through encouragement, gratitude or a kind word – especially to someone who may be struggling.
You can also stay open to interruptions. Let God shift your plans if someone needs your time or care. And when minor offenses come up, let them go quickly rather than holding on.
These acts of service aren’t about being impressive – they’re about being faithful. As Acts 20:35 reminds us, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
A challenge to humbly serve
Paul’s words in Philippians 2:3–4 challenge us: “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
This invitation to humble service is not limited to married couples. It belongs to all of us. Whether you’re in a family, a ministry team, a Bible study group or a church body, you can take part in this one-week journey of Christ-like care.
A shift toward unity and grace
As we lean into this practice, we begin to experience what Proverbs 11:25 promises: “Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.”
Mutual care leads to mutual blessing. When a community embraces humility and generosity, tension softens, compassion grows and people feel safe again. What began as a simple act of service can become the seed of lasting transformation – relationally and spiritually.
Forgiveness: The soil for growth
If your community has experienced wounds or weariness, this week can also serve as a spiritual reset. Ephesians 4:32 encourages us: “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”
This isn’t about pretending past hurts never happened – it’s about choosing to no longer let them define your relationships. When we focus on the present needs of others, we create space for healing and reconciliation. Bitterness loses its grip, and love begins to lead again.
Five Biblical habits for a healthier fellowship
Here are five ways to deepen this one-week journey and create habits that last:
- Communicate with grace. Speak truth with love. Listen to understand, not to reply (Ephesians 4:29).
- Practise daily gratitude. Thank God for the people in your life and let them know they are appreciated (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
- Celebrate God’s design in others. Recognize and value the different ways each person contributes to the Body (Romans 12:4–5).
- Make time for shared moments. Pray together, break bread, rest together – these moments bind us (Acts 2:46).
- Open your heart. Be vulnerable with one another, trusting the Spirit is present in shared struggles (Galatians 6:2).
A living testimony
This weeklong practice is more than an individual challenge – it’s a collective witness. When Christians love and serve one another without keeping score, the world sees a glimpse of Christ’s Kingdom. In John 13:35 Jesus says, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Let us take Him at His word.
Whether in your home, your church, your ministry, or your friendships, take one week to lean into grace-filled living. Begin each day with a prayer: “Lord, show me who needs your love today through me.” And then act on it – not out of obligation – but out of the overflowing love we’ve received from Christ.
Ready to begin?
The next seven days can be a fresh start. May this journey lead to stronger bonds, deeper peace and a more vibrant witness to the world. Let us become known as a people who truly love one another – for the glory of God and the good of His Church.
Chris Ellison of London, Ont., operates Ellison Counselling (EllisonCounselling.com). Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash.