A Minister with Love

When Paul called Epaphroditus a minister, he wasn’t talking about someone with a pulpit or a paycheck. He was talking about a man who lived to serve others out of love. The Greek word Paul used—leitourgos—was originally used for civic leaders in ancient cities. These were men who loved their people so deeply that they willingly spent their own money to care for the community. They trained athletes, funded theaters, equipped warships, and paid soldiers. They were called “benefactors,” but they didn’t do it for power. They did it because they cared.

In the kingdom of God, this is what a man looks like.

Too often, we think of “ministers” as someone else. The pastor. The preacher. The missionary. But Scripture says every believer is called to ministry. If you’re in Christ, you are a minister of the gospel. You’ve been entrusted with the ministry of reconciliation—to help others find peace with God through Jesus. That ministry may happen behind a microphone, but more often it happens behind the scenes—in homes, hospitals, schools, and job sites.

Real ministry looks like picking up a crying child. Holding a friend’s hand at a funeral. Taking a meal to a neighbor. Leading a small group even when your week was exhausting. Staying up with a teenager who’s wrestling through doubt. Showing up when it’s hard. Listening when it’s awkward. Giving when it costs you something.

Jesus said He came not to be served, but to serve. That’s our model. And that kind of service, done with love, is not just nice—it’s holy.

Reflection:
Where has God given you the chance to minister right now—not as a title, but as a lifestyle? How can you reflect Jesus through quiet, consistent acts of love?