THRIVE – PILLAR 12: GIVE
Living Out Our Healing Through Service
"You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." — Genesis 50:20
The Call to Serve
Healing isn’t just about what we receive—it’s also about what we give. As we experience God's transformation, we are called to serve others. Giving back is a sign that we are truly being restored and renewed.
Why Serving Others Matters
🔹 Service is Worship – When we serve others, we honor God.🔹 Service is Healing – Helping others deepens our own healing.🔹 Service is a Calling – We are designed to give, love, and lift others up.
Key Scriptures on Serving Others:
📖 1 Peter 4:10 – "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms."
📖 Mark 10:45 – "For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many."
📖 Galatians 5:13 – "You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love."
Healed People Heal People
You may have heard the saying, “Hurt people hurt people.” But the opposite is also true:💡 Healed people heal people.
Healing is not a destination—it’s a process. We don’t wait until we feel "perfect" to start serving. Instead, the act of giving back is often what brings even greater healing.
Jesus lived this truth. He didn’t just teach—He served. He healed, He fed, He washed feet, and ultimately, He gave His life. If we want to be like Him, we must do as He did.
10 Ways to Serve Others
Be a Listening Ear
Call or visit someone who is struggling.
Offer to pray with someone who needs encouragement.
Write Letters of Hope
Send handwritten notes to people in prisons, hospitals, or nursing homes.
Serve a Hot Meal
Volunteer at a food pantry or cook for a family in need.
Help Someone in Recovery
Offer to mentor, sponsor, or encourage someone in their journey.
Use Your Gifts for Good
If you’re artistic, paint murals of hope.
If you’re handy, help with home repairs for those in need.
If you’re a writer, create devotionals or encouraging messages.
Surprise Kindness
Pay for someone’s coffee or groceries.
Leave uplifting notes in public places.
Give What You Don’t Need
Donate clothes, books, or household items to shelters.
Volunteer in Your Church or Community
Help with childcare, greet visitors, or lead a small group.
Start a Community Project
Organize a park clean-up or start a community garden.
Share Your Testimony
Your story has power! Use it to encourage and inspire others.
How to Share Your Testimony in 15 Minutes
"Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story—those He redeemed from the hand of the foe." — Psalm 107:2
Your testimony is one of the most powerful tools you have. It’s your personal proof of God’s transformation. People may argue with theology, but they can’t argue with a changed life.
Six Steps to a Powerful Testimony
1️⃣ Life Before Surrendering to God (3-4 minutes)
What was your life like before you turned to God?
What struggles, addictions, or strongholds defined your life?
What emotions were you living with (anger, fear, hopelessness)?
2️⃣ What Led to Your Decision? (2-3 minutes)
What happened that made you realize you needed a change?
Was there a crisis or breaking point?
Did someone share the Gospel or show you God’s love?
3️⃣ Making the Decision (1-2 minutes)
What was your turning point?
How did you surrender to God (prayer, a conversation, a moment of realization)?
Did you feel different right away or was it a process?
4️⃣ What Changed? (3-4 minutes)
What habits did you let go of?
What new habits did you start (reading the Bible, prayer, church community)?
How did God change your mindset and heart?
5️⃣ Where Has the Change Surprised You? (1-2 minutes)
What unexpected ways has God worked in your life?
Have relationships been restored?
Has He given you a purpose you never imagined?
6️⃣ How is God Using You Today? (1-2 minutes)
How is God using your past for good?
How are you still growing?
How can others experience the same transformation?
Final Tips for Sharing Your Testimony
✅ Keep it Simple – People don’t need a perfect story; they need an honest one.✅ Point to Jesus – Focus on God’s power to change lives.✅ Be Real – Share struggles honestly, but highlight the victory.✅ End with Hope – Encourage others that healing is possible for them too.
Challenge: Write & Share Your Testimony
Take time to write out your testimony using these steps. Practice sharing it in 15 minutes or less. When you’re ready, ask God to open a door for you to share it with someone who needs to hear it.
Who in your life needs to know that Jesus can change everything?
💡 Pray about sharing your story with them this week.