Love, Service, and the science of meaning: from great acts of saints to small acts of service

**The Christian Path: Love, Service, and the Science of Meaning**

Many people today wrestle with questions of meaning and purpose. Studies suggest that up to 85% of people report struggling to find a deeper sense of direction in life. Yet for Christians, the answer is surprisingly clear: the *meaning* of life is to **love**, and the *purpose* is to **serve**.

This call to love and serve is not abstract—it is deeply practical and endlessly needed. The world is full of opportunities to help, from addressing poverty to offering a listening ear. The science of happiness echoes this: true satisfaction doesn’t come from chasing ego-driven pleasures, but from facing real challenges and contributing to something greater than oneself. In this light, helping others becomes not just a moral duty, but the very path to joy and fulfillment.

Yet, this task is never-ending. As Jesus said, “The poor you will always have with you.” This is not resignation, but realism. The needs around us—material, relational, and emotional—are constant. Christians must set healthy boundaries to avoid burnout, but they must also accept the nature of the mission: to love and serve in a broken world, knowing it will never be fully “fixed” in this life.

Near-death experience (NDE) philosophy adds another layer of insight. It suggests that the illusion of separation is what causes so much suffering, that we are separate from god and each other —and that being fully present, engaged, and compassionate is how we heal it. Whether the need is financial, emotional, or communal, the world calls for healing, and we are called to respond.

Importantly, it’s not only the grand gestures of saints that change the world. Jesus himself emphasized the power of **small acts of love**—washing the feet of his disciples, blessing children, feeding the hungry. Great power brings great responsibility, yes—but everyone, regardless of their status or strength, can answer the call to love.

Whether you’re tackling systemic issues or simply comforting a friend, **you are living your purpose**. Every moment of genuine love and service participates in something eternal.—