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A Veterans Day Tribute Through Scripture

On Veterans Day, we pause to honor the brave men and women who have selflessly served our country. While words alone can never fully express our gratitude, Scripture provides powerful reminders of the courage, strength, and dedication that these heroes embody. In honor of their service, we’ll share a collection of Bible verses that uplift, inspire, and honor those who have given so much to others.

Honor Those Who Serve

Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. Romans 13:7

Veterans embody the spirit of selfless service, often putting the needs of others before their own. God calls us to openly express the same gratitude we have for His protection to the men and women who protect our nation and its people. 

Verses that Encourage and Uplift

Christlike Sacrifice

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. John 15:13

Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:7-8

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. Philippians 2:3-4

For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Mark 10:45

God’s Protection and Comfort

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10 

The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

Endurance, Strength, Discipline, and Commitment

In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. Romans 8:37

I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13  

Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 2:3

Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. 1 Corinthians 16:13

Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. Ephesians 6:10-11

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. Hebrews 12:1-2

Hope and Renewal

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles;   they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.  For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.  So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:28-29

Share the Word

Thoughtfully sharing God’s Word can remind veterans that their sacrifices are seen, appreciated, and valued- by us and by God. Here are some ideas for using these verses to show your gratitude:

• Write personalized notes or cards: Include Bible verses like John 15:13 and Isaiah 41:10 to encourage veterans. A simple, heartfelt message with Scripture can brighten their day and remind them of God's love.
• Create care packages for veterans: Include a small booklet of printed Bible verses or devotionals focused on hope, strength, and God's faithfulness. Add a personal touch by handwriting a favorite verse.
• Post Scripture on social media: Share a verse like 2 Timothy 2:3-4 on your social media platforms, accompanied by a message of gratitude for veterans. 
• Create a Scripture-themed art project with children: Have kids draw or color artwork inspired by verses like Hebrews 12:1-2 to present to veterans, bringing smiles and heartfelt appreciation.

Thank You, Vets!

The Bible is filled with promises of strength, peace, and encouragement for those who endure trials, whether on the battlefield or in everyday life. As we reflect on the sacrifices made by our veterans, be mindful of their courage and selflessness that mirror the qualities that God calls us to embody. Continue to pray for their well-being and express gratitude for their bravery and protection. 

-Torrance Community Church of Christ

When Helping Hurts: Thwarting the Savior Complex

Mark 10:45 affirms, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” However, in our earnest desire to help, we can sometimes fall into the trap of the savior complex, where our good intentions lead to unintended consequences. Today we will discuss how we can avoid the savior complex and the importance of serving with humility and recognizing our limitations. 

Defining the Savior Complex

The savior complex is a state of mind where an individual believes they are obligated to save others, often to the detriment of both parties involved. It places an unrealistic burden on us and undermines others' ability to grow and learn. In many cases, this mindset stems from good intentions- a misguided sense of altruism. It may even develop from a genuine desire to help but can quickly escalate into a pattern of dominating others' independence. Psychologically, the savior complex arises from a desire for validation, control, or believing that others are helpless without your intervention. Biblically, this attitude sharply contrasts with the model of service presented by Jesus, who demonstrated that we are called to serve with humility, love, and a recognition of our dependence on God. A  person with a savior complex may inadvertently place themselves in a role that only God can truly fulfill, but rather than seeking to be the savior, Christians are called to be servants and serve in a manner that doesn’t attempt to overthrow God from His responsibility. 

Identify the Telltale Signs

Identifying the signs is the first step in addressing our motives and behaviors, and it allows us to change our approach and help others with humility and respect for their autonomy. 

Signs to watch for: 

• Feeling emotionally drained or resentful when others do not follow our advice or show appreciation.
• Feeling disappointed or hurt when others do not express gratitude for our help.
• Neglecting our own physical, emotional, and spiritual needs while prioritizing the needs of others.
• Frequently crossing personal boundaries in the name of helping, without considering the impact on others' autonomy.
• Seeking validation or recognition from others for our efforts, instead of focusing solely on their well-being.
• Deriving self-worth from helping and assisting others rather than from a healthy and balanced life.
• A tendency to feel personally responsible for, or constant preoccupation with solving others’ issues. 

Examples of the Savior Complex in Action 

Consider if any of the following examples resonate with you:

• John frequently advises his colleagues on personal matters, even when they don’t ask for help.
• Emma volunteers to manage every aspect of a community project, ignoring others' offers to assist.
• David insists on solving problems his way, dismissing others' input or solutions.
• Rachel feels overwhelmed and emotionally exhausted because she’s constantly dealing with others' crises.
• Tom views himself as a martyr for always sacrificing his needs for others, expecting recognition and gratitude.
• Jessica unconsciously makes her friends dependent on her by always offering to do things for them rather than empowering them.
• Chris becomes frustrated when the people he's helping don't improve or change as quickly as he'd like.
• Mary begins to feel resentful towards those she helps, feeling unappreciated and overburdened.
• Alex takes over projects or tasks from others, believing they can’t do them as well as he can.
• Megan puts her own life goals on hold to focus on solving other people's problems.
• Brian sees his friends' problems as his own, experiencing their issues as personally as they do.
• Peter believes his guidance is always correct and disregards any feedback or differing opinions.
• Susan commits to helping so many people that she has no time left for herself or her family.
• James feels guilty saying no to any request for help, stretching himself too thin and becoming ineffective.
• Sarah constantly seeks out people in crisis to rescue, deriving her self-worth from being needed.
• Lydia amplifies others' problems to feel more essential in resolving them, escalating situations unnecessarily.
• Ben guilt-trips others into accepting his help, making them feel indebted and obligated to him.

Biblical Examples of Humble Service

The Bible provides numerous poignant examples of humble service that are in stark opposition to the savior complex. 

The following examples remind us that genuine service involves putting others' needs before our ego, following the example set by Christ Himself:

• Jesus: He washed His disciples' feet (John 13:1-17) and sacrificed His life for humanity (Philippians 2:5-8) without seeking personal recognition or control.
• Paul: He tirelessly spread the gospel and cared for the churches (1 Corinthians 9:19-23), enduring hardships with humility and reliance on God.
• Joseph: Despite being sold into slavery by his brothers, Joseph faithfully served Potiphar (Genesis 39:1-6) and later served Egypt as a wise administrator during a severe famine (Genesis 41:41-44).
• Esther: She risked her life to save her people, the Jews, by approaching the king without being summoned, demonstrating courage and selflessness (Book of Esther).
• Ruth: She selflessly cared for her mother-in-law Naomi (Ruth 1-4), demonstrating loyalty and compassion without seeking personal gain.
• Barnabas: Known as the "son of encouragement," Barnabas generously sold his land to support the early church and mentored Paul (Acts 4:36-37; Acts 9:26-27).

Strategies for Humble and Effective Service

To humbly serve and avoid falling into the trap of the savior complex, consider:

• Rather than trying to rescue others, turn your attention to empowering them to find their own solutions and strengths.
• Regularly pray for wisdom and discernment.
• Establish clear boundaries in your relationships and commitments. Learn to say no when necessary to avoid overextending yourself.
• Embrace teamwork and shared responsibility.
• Listen attentively to others' needs and concerns without immediately offering solutions. 
• Surround yourself with trusted friends or mentors who can provide honest feedback and accountability regarding your helping behaviors.

Most Importantly, Focus on God’s Role

The ability to overcome the savior complex hinges on the ability to shift our focus from ourselves to God. It requires that we recognize and trust His supremacy and will;  relinquishing the drive to serve in an unhelpful manner and allowing God to work through us. Acting as His instruments liberates us to serve with a joyful heart, knowing that our efforts are part of His greater plan to bring glory to His name and spread His love in the lives of those around us.

When we focus on God’s role:

• We trust that God has a plan and purpose for each person's life, including their struggles and challenges.
• We seek God’s guidance through prayer, asking for wisdom and discernment in how best to support and encourage others.
• We acknowledge that God is in control and that our role is to obediently follow His lead.
• Our goal shifts from fixing problems to pointing others to God, encouraging them to rely on His strength and seek His solutions.
• We recognize our limitations.
• Understand that God works in His timing and ways, often beyond our understanding. 
• We let our actions and motives reflect His love and compassion.

Summing It Up

The savior complex can subtly distort our intentions, leading us to seek personal validation or control rather than genuinely serving others out of love and compassion. Helping others without falling into the savior complex requires a deliberate commitment to humility, self-awareness, and trust in God. As we strive to emulate Christ’s example and surrender ourselves to God’s will, our participation in His work will be founded in love and bring honor to His name. 

- Torrance Community Church of Christ

The Value of Serving (and some ways you can serve another today!)

We've Been Called to Serve

What is service?

Oxford Languages defines service as:  The action of helping or doing work for someone.

It may be safe to assume that we all have an idea of what service is, however, our personal definitions might contain slight variations. One person may think of service as holding the door open for a stranger, whereas someone else may think of it as donating clothing to a homeless shelter. Another person may see service solely as a paid job, for example, a waiter is serving you your food because they are required to. These are all examples of service, and each one is not more dominant than the other. 

Why should we serve others?

When we serve others, we are following in Christ’s footsteps. Christ spent his mortal life in the service of others and we can see this throughout the Bible. When we serve others, we are building ourselves a solid foundation overflowing with blessings, personal growth, enlightenment, happiness, and inspiration. When you serve another, you are adding value to not only the person you are serving but also yourself. You have the opportunity to positively impact someone’s life. This can inspire whomever you serve to pay it forward, which can create a snowball effect of acts of kindness and good deeds. By your simple action, you can create a shift that has the potential to create a constructive and beneficial difference for humankind. 

How do we find time to serve?

With the hustle and bustle attitude of our modern times, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by all of our commitments and obligations. Between all of society’s expectations, our expectations from our family, and responsibilities at work, it's no wonder so many of us sometimes feel swallowed up. We can become so encompassed with the tasks of our day-to-day lives, that when we do get a break, we want to spend that break resting, catching up on reading, or enjoying a hobby. “I’m just too tired”, is the universal excuse to why we aren’t doing more. We use this excuse in numerous areas of our lives. However, when we use this excuse specifically as to why we cannot serve another, we are overlooking the expectation of the Almighty. He has commanded us to serve. We should learn to prioritize our time to include acts of service. 

Thankfully there is a myriad of approaches you can take to help another person. Many of these methods don’t need to take a lot of time. Because of this, some deeds can easily be implemented into your daily life. 

A Fistful of Service Ideas

• Walk your neighbor's dog
• Greet others with a nod of acknowledgment
• Listen. Listen with the intent to listen. 
• Clean up any litter you come across
• Do a chore for someone in your household that you normally wouldn’t do
• Hold open the door for someone
• Give sincere compliments
• Smile
• Donate books
• Respond to someone rude with kindness and understanding
• Show your support for someone, even if you don’t agree with whatever they need support with
• Pray for others
• Offer up your seat to someone who needs it more
• Keep your promises
• Write and send someone an uplifting note
• Call an old friend
• Pay off someone's overdrawn school lunch account
• Donate canned goods
• Participate in a community clean up
• Volunteer at a food pantry
• Purchase classroom supplies for a teacher
• Plant a tree
• Cook a meal for someone
• Help an elderly person carry their groceries to their car
• Donate blood
• Donate used clothing
• Pay for someone's gas
• If you notice your neighbor’s trash can isn’t at the curb on trash day, bring it out for them
• Are you walking or driving your kids to school? Maybe you can help a friend out by taking their child too
• Donate make-up and feminine hygiene products to a women's shelter
• Babysit for someone in need
• Set up a small monthly donation to your favorite charity
• Mow someone's lawn
• When you see someone is down, don’t avoid them. Instead, sit with them, talk to them, and let them feel your love and concern
• Donate an old wedding or prom dress to make angel gowns
• Help kids with their homework
• Clean up old headstones
• Return someone else's shopping cart along with your own
• Help your neighbor with their gardening
• Volunteer at the library
• Cuddle a newborn, volunteer at the hospital to cuddle newborn infants
• Play games with people at retirement centers
• Purchase someone a book
• Pay for the person behind you in line (it doesn’t matter where you are!)
• Knit beanies and donate them to a cancer center
• Treat your new co-worker to lunch
• Teach a music lesson
• Clean a pregnant person's house
• When you see a group of people taking a photo, offer to take the photo so everyone in their group can be included
• Read to people in the hospital
• Hug someone who needs a hug
• Leave a small gift and note of gratitude for your mail delivery person
• Return store items you’ve decided not to purchase to their original spot
• Hold the elevator door open
• Be someone’s cheerleader
• Collect diapers and donate them

As you can see, serving others is a multifaceted venture. There is no correct or incorrect way to serve someone. There is no way which is better than the other. Do what you can with what resources you have to show your love and support for those you come into contact with. It doesn’t matter if they’re someone you’ve known your whole life or a stranger on the street. When you see an opportunity to nourish another individual, do so. You never know the monumental footprint a simple act can leave.

-Torrance Church of Christ