A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. (John 13:34).

Looking for ways to improve 2016?  This list gives 15 ways in which we can serve God by serving others:

1.  Serve God Through Your Family

To serve God starts with serving our families. Daily we work, clean, love, support, listen to, teach, and endlessly give of ourselves to our family. We may often feel overwhelmed with all that we must do. As we lovingly give of ourselves to our family, and serve them with hearts full of love, our acts also serve God.

2.  Give Tithes and Offerings

One of the ways we can serve God is by helping His children, our brothers and sisters, through tithing, a generous offering. Money from tithing is used to build God’s kingdom on the earth. Contributing financially to God’s work is a great way to serve God. Money from offerings is used to help the hungry, thirsty, naked, strange, sick, and afflicted (see Matt 25:34-36) both those locally and world wide.

3.  Volunteer in Your Community

There are countless ways to serve God by serving in your community. From donating blood to adopting a highway, your local community has great need of your time, efforts and resources.  You can easily become involved in your community by contacting a local group, charity, or other community program.

Home visit opportunities provide a means by which an important aspect of character may be developed:  love of service above self.  Stop in to see someone in need.

5.  Donate Clothing and Other Goods

All throughout the world, there are places to donate unused clothing, shoes, dishes, blankets/quilts, toys, furniture, books, and other items. Generously giving of these items to help others is an easy way to serve God and declutter your home at the same time.

When preparing those things you are going to donate it is always appreciated if you only give those items that are clean and in working order. Donating dirty, broken, or useless items is less effective and takes precious time from volunteers and other workers as they sort and organize the items to be distributed or sold to others.

Stores that resell donated items usually offer much needed jobs to the less fortunate which is another excellent form of service.

6.  Be a Friend

One of the simplest and easiest ways to serve God and others is by befriending one another. As we take the time to serve and be friendly, we’ll not only support others but also build a network of support for ourselves. Make others feel at home, and soon you’ll feel at home. Who does not love and need friends? Let us make a new friend today!

7.  Serve God by Serving Children

So many children and teenagers need our love and we can give it!  There are many programs to become involved with helping children and you can easily become a school or community volunteer.  Jesus Christ loves all the children of the world and so too should we love and serve them.

8.  Mourn with Those that Mourn

9.  Follow Inspiration

When going through my own trials, I listened for inspiration.  I took every meeting and every phone call.  I read every book that was presented.  Each time I was obedient, I felt His inspiration!  What an incredible walk with Jesus.  Listen and move!  Follow His steps for you and be truly inspired!

10.  Share Your Talents

Each of us have been given talents from the Lord that we should develop and use to serve God and others. Examine your life and find your gifts, skills and talents.  What are you good at? How could you use your talents to help those around you?  Are you good with children? Do you enjoy time with the elderly?  Do you like to cook or bake?  Are you good with your hands? Computers? Gardening? Building? Organizing? You can help others with your skills by praying for help to develop your talents.