This is the fifth and final entry in a series on Christian service. You can begin with the first blog, entitled Whom Do You Serve in Ministry? Also be sure to check out the complementary guide to this series for questions that will help you find a ministry that fits the way God made you.

So we must not grow weary in doing good (acting virtuously), for in due time we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us do good (commit beneficial acts) to all people, and especially to those who belong to the family of faith. (Galatians 6:9-10 NET, parentheticals mine)

We may have our niche in a ministry, or if we're really fortunate our job is ministry to which God has called us. But ministry is more than just serving in a church or working at one job. It is a way of life that also goes beyond the walls of a building and happens outside a particular time slot. We ought to jump at the chance to help people as we are able, whether they're Christians or not.

Admittedly, there are times to use restraint. For example, in situations involving strangers (such as a disabled car on a deserted road in the middle of the night) it may sometimes be better to call for help or gather a group.

There are also times when helping others the way they want to be helped would only hurt them in the long run. Perhaps in this case, as the Chinese proverb suggests, the loving thing to do would be teaching the individual to fish instead of giving him the fish.

Despite these exceptions there are plenty of opportunities to help if we just look for them.

How good are you at seeing the needs of others?
In the last week, have you seen a need you could have met, but didn't do it? Why not?
Do you think there are times we simply must say no? Can you find Scripture to back up your answer?
Pray that God would reveal to you opportunities to meet the needs of those around you with gifts He has given you. Pray also for the motivation to meet those needs.