Turn Outward

This year, be others-focused by loving and serving others in Christ's name. Here are 5 practical ways to do so.

Turn Outward

This week's devotions are written by my friend Jessica Hermann, former director of our college ministry at Great Hills Baptist Church.

- Pastor Danny

The turn of the new year often gives people an opportunity for self-reflection, and New Year's resolutions are typically very self-focused. We have spent time this week looking back, looking forward, renewing spiritual commitments, and remembering God's promises. While there is nothing wrong with self-reflection (indeed, it is good), we also ought not keep all of our focus inwardly centered. As we step into 2024, let us turn outward to consider how we can serve, love, and interact with others this year.

The following are some ideas and challenges for how you can turn outwardly as the new year begins and uphold as the year continues.

1. Forgive someone else.

Step into this new year with a clean slate and a clear conscience. Reflect Jesus in how He has forgiven you of so much by extending forgiveness to others. "Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, with all malice, and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." (Ephesians 4:31-32)

2. Pray for someone else.

Prayer is powerful, and praying for others greatly blesses both them and you. "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working." (James 5:16)

3. Give to someone else.

Generosity can often do more good for the giver than for the receiver. Is there someone else that you can bless? "The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:6-8)

4. Celebrate someone else.

Our society constantly tells us to take care of ourselves. I also grew up in an environment where it was encouraged to step on and over anyone you had to in order to get to the top. But I think the Lord is pleased when we lift others up and celebrate them. We can rejoice in what God is doing in their lives and rejoice in the ways God has gifted them and is using them. "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves." (Philippians‬ 2‬:3‬)

5. Encourage someone else.

Remind someone else of those promises of God that have been encouraging to you. Remember all those Scriptures with which you filled your mind when laying down your fears and anxieties? Maybe you know someone else who would be encouraged by the same truths. Share them! Give someone hope by reminding them who their God is. "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

Lord, we have learned by the example of your Son how to be others-focused by loving and serving others in Your name. Please help us to not be too inwardly focused as we begin this new year, and show us how we can be Your hands and feet to someone else. In Jesus name, amen.