Service Class

The highest privilege in this world is to lighten the burdens of others. While it is often a pleasure to receive, selflessly serving others transforms the way we feel about ourselves and about those we serve. Service is essential to self-esteem. We come to feel we are privileged to be able to serve. Our love for those that we serve far exceeds our expectations. Service is a glue that binds us to one another in commonality. To serve as we “pass by” is to love as we pass by. To volunteer for intentional service is the process whereby we learn to serve those most in need, growing our ability to love.

When we’re first born, everything revolves around our need to be cared for. Eventually, we learn to share in order to receive something in return. Selfless service, however, requires nothing in return, and is the highest form of service we can provide. It is the culmination of our growth in service.

Service is the foundation of our growth. It is a tried-and-true method for getting out of ourselves and allowing the source of love to enter and partner with us. True service grows our self-esteem, which empowers us to become more than what we are. We slowly become a powerful force for good in the world around us.

To serve as we pass by can be a smile, a nod of the head, a simple greeting – something that says “I see you and you are important.” We can open a door, carry a package, offer a blessing, simply for the joy of radiating love outward. We cannot control how others receive our actions. But we can still choose to share in the act of love with those we encounter.

Intentional service is setting aside specific times to work in an environment where people are suffering, lost, or seemingly trapped. A place where our love and attention can benefit and inspire others. The purpose of intentional service is to nurture an environment that uplifts others. This creates an opportunity to build relationships in which we learn to share the source of love with those we touch. We grow in our ability to love, and watch others grow simply by being touched by love. Service as you pass by is spontaneous, whereas intentional service is a planned, continuous, sustained commitment.

We can serve ourselves. We can serve our family and friends. We can serve our community. We can serve our colleagues at work. We can become involved in social service at local, national, and global levels. There are any number of opportunities for service. We will explore many different ways you can start out on your intentional journey of service.

Through selfless service we begin to grow in our ability to love – the source of all values. We can learn to forgive, promote peace, serve, and love others – for these are the tools of the source of love within, that we introduce to the world around us.

• Introduction to forgiveness
• Form small groups for support
• Invitation to join us in our work
• Offer of a wisdom counselor