Fueled By Faith By Sofia Marcelino

By J1 Columnist Sofia Marcelino

In today’s world, volunteering often feels like something we have to do–whether it’s to meet school requirements, enhance a college application, or post on social media to show we’re “giving back.”

We’ve lost sight of the true purpose of service. Volunteering should not be about recognition or fulfilling a checklist. It should be about following the example of Jesus, serving others with compassion, humility, and love.

Jesus didn’t serve to be praised. His service was rooted in love for the people He encountered. He reached out to those society ignored, healed the broken, and showed unconditional love to everyone.

His service was not about recognition or reward. It was about meeting people where they were, lifting them up, and showing them that they were worthy of love.

As Christians, our volunteer work should reflect this same heart of service. We are called to serve selflessly, not for personal gain, but because we are following Christ’s example.

Too often, volunteering becomes something we do simply to improve our resumes or fulfill a school requirement. We may go through the motions, checking off the hours, but we miss the deeper impact that genuine service can have. True volunteering isn’t about doing just enough to satisfy an obligation. It’s about being fully present in the moment, offering your time and effort with sincerity, and serving others in a way that reflects God’s love.

When we volunteer with the right mindset, we begin to experience the power of service. It’s not just about handing out food at a shelter or helping at a community event. It’s about taking the time to listen to someone’s story, to truly see them, and to offer kindness without expecting anything in return. It’s in those small, everyday moments of connection that we can make the most significant impact on someone’s life.

Serving others in the way Jesus did changes us. It humbles us. It reminds us that we are all part of a greater community, and we are called to contribute to that community in whatever way we can.

Volunteering opens our eyes to the struggles and joys of others, helping us develop empathy and a deeper understanding of the world around us. When we serve with a pure heart, we grow not only in our faith but also in our character.

Volunteering isn’t about doing the minimum; it’s about being willing to give more, to go beyond what’s comfortable, and to serve others as Christ served us. True service transforms both the giver and the receiver. By giving our time and energy with love, we not only help those in need, but we also honor the God who calls us to love one another.

So, let’s challenge ourselves to see volunteering not as a task, but as an opportunity a  chance to live out our faith, to serve others with the same love and humility that Jesus showed, and to make a real difference in the world. When we volunteer for the right reasons, we become the hands and feet of Christ, spreading His love and making His presence known in our communities.