How leaders can grow in pastoral grace

Leadership is all about care for the well-being of others expressed through acts of selflessness and kindness to better the state of those in their care.

In this short inspirational video Andre Kruger shares on how leaders can increase the pastoral anointing in their lives. For more on his teachings and obtain a copy of his book Increasing Heaven’s Flow in 40 days go to www.heavensflow.org

Scripture

Matthew 25:31-40

31  “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. 32  Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33  And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left. 34  Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 35  For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36  I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’

37  Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? 38  And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? 39  And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’

40  And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’

Observations and reflections

1. What will Jesus honor the righteous for doing when he returns? List and describe what the Lord specifies in this text. (verses 37-40)
2. How does our Lord view caring deeds of love for people in need in this earth? (verse 40)
3. Why do you think the Lord views these loving deeds to needy people in such a way?
4. Carefully read verse 40 again. How many deeds of love does one need to do before the Lord recognizes and rewards one when he returns? And what does that suggest about the value the places on one person in need?

Personal reflection and application

The Lord loves and values each individual and therefore deeply identifies with the lack, pain and suffering of every person he created.  Therefore the Lord rewards every deed of kindness from compassion shown to each individual person, as if it is shown to him in person.

1. List three acts of kindness you have recently shown to people in need – especially those close to you.  Our Text today promises that the Lord will remember these acts of sincere kindness; how does this truth make you feel?
2. To grow in pastoral grace one simply shows compassion and kindness to people who cross your path, motivated by the truth that the Lord loves that person as he loves you. Consider the following Scripture:

Galatians 6:10 “…as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.”

• In which ways can you “do good” today – especially those close to you? List 10 practical examples.
• Whom do you know that is sick in bed, alone or feeling down?  What can you do to show care and love for them?
• Whom within your family and Christian fellowship can you show kindness today?
• Whom in your every life can you show kindness today?
• Memorize this Scripture, and mediate on it all day long as you look for opportunities to show the loving care and kindness of our Lord to those you relate to. Pray that the Lord will grace you to show his compassion, kindness and patience so you may represent him well.