1. Framework

Servanthood means being at someone else’s disposal and doing something for another.

Jesus’ self – definition Mark 10:45. Drawn from Isaiah 53:11 -12.

Jesus “bore” our burden.  Hence the promise of Matthew 11:28.  This requires identification of the deepest kind:

2. Listening

James 1:19 – listening a first step.  Why?  (Proverbs 4:23 etc.  we listen from the inside)

3. Bearing (Empathy)

Not feeling sorry for the other person  but entering into their experience.

1 Corinthians 12:26; Romans 12:15; 2 Corinthians 11:28a -29; Galatians 6:2 – something which is essential to Christian living part of the fellowship of the cross.

Bearing in prayer: the essence of intercession is identification.

Romans 9:2; Isaiah 53:12; Hebrews 7:25.  God bears us so that we may bear the burdens of others.

“Love takes a burden and makes it no burden.” (Thomas a Kempis)

4. Speaking

Others need a word from God.   Ephesians 4:17; Romans 10:17.

Are we afraid of speaking into the lives of others?

5.  Fruit of Service

Life beyond contractual relationships.

Matthew 16:25 – we find true life through serving others.

“the greatest gift we can give one another is our woundedness.” (Henri Nouwen)