6:7 - Serving with Heart

"With goodwill doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men." — Ephesians 6:7

Reflection

Ephesians 6:7 is a simple but powerful verse that speaks straight to how we approach serving others. When Paul wrote this, he was talking to people who found themselves in all kinds of roles—some easy, some tough, and some that probably felt pretty unimportant. He wanted them to know that their attitude in serving mattered just as much as their actions. Paul’s message is clear: whether you’re helping out at home, working on a group project at school, or doing something for a friend, you have a choice in how you show up.

Serving “with goodwill” means doing things with a genuine, positive attitude. It’s not about just checking off a chore or going through the motions because someone told you to. Instead, it’s about caring enough to put your heart into what you do, even when no one is watching or giving you credit. Paul reminds us that when we serve, we’re not just helping people—we’re actually serving God. That means every act of kindness, no matter how small, can have a bigger impact than you realize.

Why does our attitude matter so much? Because it shows what’s really going on inside us. When you serve with a grumpy or resentful attitude, it’s easy to feel drained and frustrated. But when you serve with joy and a sincere heart, you find energy and purpose. It’s like planting seeds that will grow into something beautiful. God cares about the “why” behind our actions, and Ephesians 6:7 encourages us to make sure our motivation is love and goodwill, not just duty.

Personal Application

If you’re a teenager, you probably have a lot going on—schoolwork, family responsibilities, friendships, and maybe a part-time job or volunteer work. Sometimes serving others can feel like just one more thing on your to-do list. But Ephesians 6:7 challenges you to look at service differently. It’s not just about getting something over with; it’s about seeing every opportunity to help as a way to show love and honor God. When you help your siblings, assist a classmate, or do chores at home, you’re living out your faith in real, practical ways.

Of course, serving with a good attitude isn’t always easy. Maybe you feel like your efforts go unnoticed, or you don’t get the appreciation you deserve. There might be days when you’re tired, stressed, or just not in the mood to help out. That’s when Ephesians 6:7 becomes especially important. It’s a reminder that your service counts, even when it’s hard or unpopular. God sees your heart, and He values your willingness to make a difference, no matter how small.

Over time, choosing to serve with goodwill can help you grow in ways you never expected. You’ll start to see how your actions influence the people around you, and you’ll discover that serving others brings a deeper sense of joy and satisfaction. You’ll also find that your relationship with God gets stronger as you put these truths into practice. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about being willing to learn, try again, and let God shape your attitude as you walk through each day.

Thought-Provoking Questions

1. Can you think of a time when you served someone with a good attitude and it made a difference in how you felt or how others reacted?
2. What are some things that make it hard for you to serve with sincerity, and how can you overcome those challenges?
3. How does remembering that you’re serving God, not just people, change your perspective on daily tasks and responsibilities?
4. Who in your life inspires you to serve with joy, and how can you encourage each other to keep growing in this area?

Prayer

God, thank You for showing me that every act of service matters to You. Help me to serve others with a sincere heart, even when it’s difficult or goes unnoticed. Give me strength to choose joy and goodwill, and remind me that I’m serving You in everything I do. When I feel tired or discouraged, fill me with Your love so I can keep going. Teach me to value the people around me and to make a difference through kindness and patience. Thank You for always being with me and for helping me grow. In Jesus’ name, Amen.