To be a servant or a slave, subject to the whims and wishes of another, reverses our tendency toward self-love. God becomes visible through others. We let ourselves be found, loved, and fashioned by God. He always loves us first. We are little, empty. The practice asks us to keep empty so we can receive. We respond by loving others ahead of ourselves. In this Little Way, we let ourselves be carried, empty-handed, devoid of all merit, absolutely embraced gratuitously. God's love for us we see "in faith" and we demonstrate our love for God in service toward and sacrifice for others. We please God rather than merit affection from others.
— Mary Margaret Funk, Tools Matter for Practicing the Spiritual Life