Strive to Be a Servant Leader

Pray daily to be a servant leader, focused on helping others achieve their best. This may involve serving them directly or humbly initiating difficult conversations to address underlying issues.

Recognize the Need for Willingness

It’s important to understand that others must desire help more than I want to offer it. Without their willingness, progress is unlikely. You may be present with them when they are ready by patiently being the right person in all situations.

Encourage Self-Reflection

When someone feels like a victim, encourage them to consider their role and identify aspects they can change about themselves. This self-awareness can be a powerful step toward healing.

Promote a Non-Anxious Presence

If someone desires a relationship but the other party is unresponsive, suggest they focus on being a friendly, non-anxious presence. This way, if the other person ever feels safe enough to reconnect, the environment is welcoming and not reactive.

Distinguish Between Justice and Reconciliation

I often ask individuals if they seek justice or reconciliation. If they lean towards reconciliation, I guide them through a thoughtful process. Quick forgiveness can sometimes lead to repeated harm while working through a process from a forgiving stance can pave the way for a healthier future. I encourage them to consider questions like:

• “What would it take for the other person to make things as right as possible?”
• “Is that reasonable?”

What is In It for Me?

The Challenge of Being a Servant-Leader Peacemaker

• Embrace the Courage to Engage: You will feel the thrill of engaging in difficult conversations—it’s like “poking the bear.” This takes courage, as you can’t predict how others might react when their pain is exposed.
• Feel Alive with Purpose: You will experience a sense of aliveness and purpose, knowing you’re collaborating with the Holy Spirit to nurture relationships and heal divisions.
• An Indescribable Experience:  This journey can be challenging to put into words. It’s like trying to explain the joy of fishing, playing an instrument, or being a grandparent. You can try, but the experience often surpasses any description.

David

In Psalm 26, David says, “Bring it on God. I feel ready. My feet are on solid ground. With Your help, I am fully alive.”

“…Examine me, LORD, and put me to the test; refine my mind and my heart… My foot stands on level ground… (Psalm 26).

Can you picture it?

“If you do well, will your face not be cheerful? And if you do not do well, sin is lurking at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it” (Ge 4:7).

• Take the Challenge
• Try it out and let me know how it feels.
   

Your Thoughts?

“But you are not to be like that [dominating or manipulating others]. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves” (Luke 22:26-27).

“Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness” (James 3:18).