BEGIN AGAIN
BY SERVING OTHERS

January 25, 2026

According to the New York Times, studies have shown that strong social relationships lead to longer life.  This is because strong social ties lead to:

1. Emotional support: friends can pick you up when you’re blue and vulnerable.
2. Logistical support: friends offer a helping hand when you’re in need.
3. Healthy habits: people with good relationships tend to eat better and exercise more and refrain from unhealthy activities.
4. Mental stimulation: talking with others inspires the brain to be more active.

In order to have strong social ties, we must be willing to forgive others, look past other peoples’ faults, and get a new start at serving others.  So, get off the couch and start serving others.  Even if you’re home-bound, you can pray for others, call them, ask how they’re doing, and become an expert in writing letters and thank you cards.

Let’s ask God to serve through us, thus having a longer, happier life that leads to heaven and a new heaven and earth filled with perfect love for others!

Please join us in the worship service Sunday when I’ll be preaching on “Begin again by Serving Others” from John 21:15-22.  We’ll talk about “Let Love Lead to Serving Others,” verses 15-17; “Serve to the End,” verses 18-19; and “Serve without Comparing Yourself to Others,” verses 20-22.  This is the story of the resurrected Jesus’ breakfast with Peter by the blue Sea of Galilee.  It’s awesome!

Love,

Jim Meek