Founder's Reflections #16 | Monday, November 18, 2024 | Jesus24365 Ministry | Compassion and Humility When Serving Others

Compassion and Humility When Serving Others

Founder's Reflections #16 | Monday, November 18, 2024 | Jesus24365 Ministry |

Good afternoon, beloved Jesus24365 family! 🙏✝️❤️

The Call to Serve: What Would Jesus Do? 🌟

🌿 This morning, as I read Proverbs 18, I was reminded of the calling each of us has to rise above our comfort zones and embrace humility. 🤲 The wisdom from Proverbs 18 teaches us that true courage lies in trusting God. 💪✝️ This morning, I reflected on the journey each of us is on. We are invited to rise above our comfort zones, embrace humility, and live out our faith by serving others. The wisdom from Proverbs 18 teaches us that true courage lies not in seeking recognition, but in humbly walking the path God has set before us.

As we strive to live like Jesus, we can ask ourselves: What Would Jesus Do (WWJD)? He would listen before speaking, extend compassion before judgment, and serve without seeking personal gain. Today, I encourage you to reflect on these lessons and embrace the calling to be like Christ. 🙌 Together, let us be guided by the wisdom of Proverbs and the example of Christ—serving others, transforming lives, and bringing glory to God.

Embracing Wisdom from Proverbs 18

When I read Proverbs 18 this morning, its lessons on humility, compassion, and understanding deeply moved me. Proverbs 18 challenges us to listen more than we speak, to pursue wisdom instead of self-glory, and to serve others with an open heart. These truths resonate powerfully, especially as we strive to follow Christ's footsteps. 💖💧.

In the reflections that follow, we'll explore how the wisdom of Proverbs and the teachings of Christ call us to serve with humility and compassion. I invite you to journey with me today—let's learn how to let go of our pride, 🤲🌍.

The Beauty of Serving Others

• Alister McGrath

Let this inspire us as we serve, remembering that our actions are reflections of God's greater love. Serving others is a beautiful part of our journey as followers of Christ, yet it often requires us to act when no one is watching and when recognition is not guaranteed. ✨❤️. The impact we could have by serving solely for His glory would be immeasurable.

A Testimony of Humility: Lessons from Believer Jeff Francis

🌟 Last week, my dear friend and devoted believer, Jeff Francis, spent five days in North Carolina aiding hurricane victims alongside Samaritan’s Purse. Through his compassionate efforts, he embodied the true spirit of Christ-centered service. 🙏 After taking a few days to recover from the devastation he witnessed, Jeff shared these heartfelt words: 💬

"Humility is tougher than we think. We need to constantly remember it is not about us; it is about Christ. It is a constant struggle to remember we don't serve others for our gain or our recognition; we serve others because Christ first served (loved) us. We do what we do because the one who loves me, loves them too."— Jeff Francis

These words are a powerful reminder of what it means to follow Christ’s example of servant-hearted leadership. Jeff’s testimony calls us to reflect on the true purpose of service—not for accolades or personal satisfaction, but as an act of gratitude for Christ's love and sacrifice.

What Can We Learn from Jeff’s Leadership?

1. Humility as a Daily Discipline

   Jeff reminds us that humility is not innate—it’s a daily choice. In a world that often glorifies recognition, Christ teaches us that the greatest leaders are those who serve others with no thought of reward.

2. Christ-Centered Service

   Our acts of service reflect Christ’s love. As Jeff said, “The one who loves me, loves them too.” This profound truth shifts our perspective, encouraging us to see those we serve as beloved by God.

3. Faith in Action

   By dedicating his time and energy to helping hurricane victims, Jeff exemplified faith in action. His efforts demonstrate that our love for Christ compels us to serve others, even when it’s inconvenient or uncomfortable.

Take a moment to reflect on Jeff's inspiring example:

• How might his words challenge you to serve with greater humility?

• In what ways can you align your actions with Christ’s call to love and serve others?

Let’s step into this week reminded that service is an expression of our faith—a tangible way to share the love of Christ with those who need it most.

Jeff’s words have deeply inspired me, and I hope they inspire all of you reading this as well. They remind us why we serve—not for recognition or personal gain, but out of gratitude for what Christ has done for us. His actions and humility call us back to the heart of our faith: to serve others because Christ first served and loved us. 🙏✨

How will you answer this call to Christ-centered service today? 🙏

Serving with Humility and Compassion

• Augustine of Hippo

Serving others often means embracing discomfort, knowing that through our service, we are sharing in the love and sacrifice of Christ.

In today’s reflection, we explore what it means to serve others with humility and compassion, allowing ourselves to be shaped by the Holy Spirit. As Proverbs 22:4 teaches us, "Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life." This truth, combined with the call from Philippians 2:3-4, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves," ✝️💞.

WWJD: Serving with Compassion and Humility

Micah 6:8 shows us God's requirements: "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." We’re invited not only to serve others but to do so in a way that embodies Christ’s character— ⚖️💖🙏. This approach builds bridges for ministry and allows those we serve to encounter Christ through our words and actions.

Jesus, Our Ultimate Guide: His Example of Compassion

• A.W. Tozer

In our moments of service, let us remember that it is God's strength that enables us to have compassion, even when the needs around us seem overwhelming.

Jesus showed us that true service is more than meeting physical needs—it is about seeing each individual as beloved by God. 🐑❤️. "When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." Our prayer should be that we reflect that same compassion, letting God's love flow through us to those we encounter.

The Role of Humility in Service

Humility plays an equally important role in serving others. As James 4:10 teaches, "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up." There is beauty in trusting God to lift us up in His time while we keep our focus on serving those around us. 🙏✨.

Reflect and Grow: Questions for Today

• Are there areas in your life where serving others feels like an obligation rather than a privilege? How might changing your perspective impact the way you serve?

• How can you embody humility and compassion in your next encounter with someone in need, following the example of Christ?

• Reflect on the words of Jeff Francis. Where in your life can you shift your focus from seeking recognition to simply loving others as Christ loves them?

  
  

A Challenge for Our Future

As we navigate today and our tomorrows, let us challenge ourselves to serve with compassion, deeply rooted in humility and dependence on Christ. 🌉💖🌱🙏

For His Kingdom,

Jeff ❤️

🌟 P.S. If this reflection touched your heart today, I’d love for you to join us in daily devotionals through Jesus24365 Daily. A short email every morning to begin your day with Christ—a way we can grow together, humbly walking with God, Every Moment, Every Day! 📖☀️