Why Behind the What

Bridgepoint Church
Dec 4
3 min read

Pastor: Jeff Love

Introduction: The “Why” Behind What We Do

For many years, Bridgepoint Church has been part of Angel Tree, generously providing hundreds of food boxes, gift cards, and Christmas presents for families in need — including those within our congregation and local military families.

This week, we were honored to welcome Tom Westall, founder and president of Operation Military Blessing — a ministry dedicated to helping military families in need. Tom has served the Lord across the world as both an Air Force and Sagebrush Chaplain, working alongside ministries like Billy Graham’s and impacting countless lives with the gospel.

As he shared stories of how Bridgepoint’s generosity has directly touched military families around the world, one truth became clear:

The help we give doesn’t go to a program — it goes to people.

Behind every box, every gift, and every dollar given is a family loved by God and reached by His people.

But our service to others isn’t just about what we do — it’s about why we do it.

The Bigger Picture: Knowing the “Why” Changes Everything

When we only focus on what we do, it can quickly become a duty — something we “have to” do. But when we remember why we do it, it becomes an act of love — something we want to do.

Paul helps us understand that why in Ephesians 5. He begins the chapter with a single word that connects everything:

“Therefore…” (Ephesians 5:1)

“Therefore” means everything that follows is a logical conclusion of what came before. Paul isn’t writing to just anyone — he’s writing to those who have been saved, forgiven, and transformed by Jesus.

“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.” — Ephesians 1:7

Because we’ve been forgiven, we don’t serve God to earn His love — we serve because we already have it.

Our Motivation: Relationship, Not Rules

“Therefore be imitators of God as dear children.” — Ephesians 5:1

Paul reminds us that our actions come from our relationship with God, not a list of religious rules.

We imitate Him not because we’re forced to, but because we’re His children — dearly loved and cared for. God isn’t a distant ruler; He’s our Heavenly Father.

Every day, our goal is to look a little more like Him — to reflect His heart in how we speak, act, and serve others.

The Model: Walking in Love

“And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.” — Ephesians 5:2

The word “walk” means manner of life — the way we live day to day. Paul says that our lives should be defined by love — not just any love, but agape love: a love based on will, not emotion.

This is the kind of love Jesus demonstrated. His sacrifice wasn’t transactional — “I will if you will.” It was unconditional — “Because I love you, I will.”

That’s what our service should look like too — not based on feelings or convenience, but on a decision to love and serve others as an act of worship to God.

Loving God by loving people.Serving God by serving people.

A Sweet-Smelling Offering

When we love and serve others, it becomes a “sweet-smelling aroma” to God — an offering that pleases His heart.

Think about it this way: as a parent, when someone shows love and kindness to your child, it touches your heart too. In the same way, when we love the people God loves — every person He created and Christ died for — it brings joy to our Heavenly Father.

My best imitation of God is when I am willing to give of myself for others.

That’s what makes ministries like Angel Tree, Operation Military Blessing, and Bridgepoint Cares so powerful — they aren’t just acts of generosity; they’re acts of worship.