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Others-Centered
Richard WaialealeMatthew 14:13-14 (NASB)
13 Now when Jesus heard about John, He withdrew from there in a boat to a secluded place by Himself; and when the people heard of this, they followed Him on foot from the cities.
14 When He went ashore, He saw a large crowd, and felt compassion for them and healed their sick.
As a pastor, it seems like the needs of the people will always come before your own. I have given up the right to think I must take care of me first, once I said my love for God is to save lives and win souls to Jesus.
In this story of John the Baptist death, the people kept pressing into Jesus because they required healing. Without any regard for what Jesus was going through, Jesus instead shows compassion for the people and continues healing and touching those around Him.
The key is to see the value of other over myself - that’s just the way it is. God is all about others-centered. I cannot imagine how many people are praying to God right now asking Him for this and for that. If I want to be a servant of Jesus and be like Jesus, then this is a start. I must understand people and have compassion for them 24/7. One of the greatest remedies for my own suffering is to serve others and have compassion for someone else who is suffering.
Lord I thank you for the opportunity to be a servant leader in Your kingdom. I know what it means to be on top, and I know what it feels like to be in need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Amen.
