Serving with Compassion

Today's Reading:
Mark 8-9

Jesus had deep compassion for those he was called to minister to. In chapter 6 we read of how he had compassion on the people because they were like sheep without a shepherd (vs. 34), and today we read of his compassion for the people because they had not eaten for three days. What I love about Jesus' leadership style is that he was completely honest with those he was discipling, "I have compassion for these people, " he says to them. Jesus ministered to other's because he cared deeply for them. He was a true servant. His ministry was not based on opportunities to promote himself, make more money or prove that he was God, but rather he served because he cared. He loved. He had compassion. The interesting thing is that he commands the same attitude in us, "If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last and the servant of all" (9:35). He calls us to deny ourselves (8:36). It's when we learn this valuable lesson that compassion for others begins to flow from us and we then enter into the place of true servanthood. Denying ourselves and serving with compassion is the best way to represent Jesus in all we do. May he grant us his favor and grace to live out our lives in this manner.

PrayerPoint:
Ask God to bless other churches in our local area (Armitage Baptist, Chicago Tabernacle, Moody Church, Christian Fellowship Free Church, First Free Church).

ActionPoint:
Serve someone else today who you think needs it the most.