Galatians 4:14-15 (NKJV)

‘And my trial which was in my flesh you did not despise or reject, but you received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus… For I bear you witness that, if possible, you would have plucked out your own eyes and given them to me.’

Such love the Galatians had for Paul. Paul was obviously suffering some disability that could have earned him reproach of some form, but the Galatians refused to despise or reject him. On the contrary, they received him well and honored him as though they were receiving someone divine. And indeed, they would have been willing to do anything, if peradventure; it could bring respite to Paul’s discomfort and disability. In summary: They loved Paul and were willing to serve him.

So must we do to those that God sends to serve us. We must do our best to assist and to bless and to honor. Now to put it in context, Paul never requested any of these things. In emulating Paul therefore, leaders and ministers need not see this as their right and therefore seek to enforce compliance. Paul came to serve the Galatians and they chose to serve him back. If you are a leader, don’t demand service but serve. For those being served, look for opportunities to show appreciation through loving and serving back. It must all be done in love and voluntarily.

‘Lord, may I never expect or demand service from those I am called to serve. If I am appreciated, praise God. If am not, praise God. May I concentrate of serving people; both those whom I am called to minister to and lead, as well as those who minister to me and lead me. Just give me the heart of service irrespective of whom am dealing with. Amen.’