Serve First! - Meet the Need, Then Preach the Word
Jesus understood something we sometimes forget: Before people can receive hope, they often need help.
When we call ourselves Christians, we are saying something powerful.
We are saying we want to be Christ-like.
We are declaring that Christ lives within us.
We are representing Him to the world as His ambassadors.
But if we’re honest, there is one area where we often fall short:
The servant attitude.
Jesus Didn’t Just Lead With Words. He Led With Compassion
Although He was the Son of God, Jesus consistently met people right where they were.
He fed the hungry.
He healed the sick.
He gave sight to the blind.
He made the lame walk.
He comforted the broken.
And ultimately, He gave His life to save us all.
Jesus understood something we sometimes forget:
Before people can receive hope, they often need help.
He met the need first, then spoke the truth that changed lives.
Many of us live with comforts we rarely think twice about:
A bed to sleep in.
Food in the refrigerator.
Clothes in the closet.
Yet, both globally and in our own communities, families are wondering how they will eat today. Children are going to sleep hungry. Individuals carrying burdens we may never see from the pew.
The need is not just “out there.”
It exists around us, sometimes even inside our own churches.
If we study the ministry of Christ, we’ll see a pattern:
He met. Then He preached.
Not the other way around.
Because compassion opens hearts in ways words alone cannot.
Telling someone about God’s love while ignoring their suffering sends a mixed message. But when we serve first-when we listen, feed, clothe, comfort, and support-we reflect the Gospel before we even speak it.
And once love has been demonstrated, people are far more ready to hear about the One who inspired it.
What if our approach looked more like this?
Meet the need.
Then share the Word.
Serve with humility.
Then speak with grace.
Show Christ through action.
Then explain Him through truth.
That’s not just outreach, that’s discipleship in motion.
Jesus didn’t call us only to preach sermons.
He called us to embody His love.
And sometimes the most powerful message begins with something as simple as a meal, a conversation, or a helping hand.