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Then Jesus said to his host, “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid.”

“Walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8). So wrote God’s Old Testament prophet, Micah. What does humility look like in your life? Walking humbly does not mean letting people walk all over you. But it does mean that the wants and needs of your neighbor are going to come before your own.

When Jesus says, “Do not invite your friends or brothers or relatives, or your rich neighbors,” is he saying we should never have our friends or family over for dinner? Of course not. Jesus is speaking to the attitude behind our service. He is saying that humble service does not expect repayment from those you serve.

We are not to invite others into our company to impress them or win power struggles. We are to serve others in their weaknesses. Followers of Jesus are to view their homes and churches not like they are country clubs. But rather, we are to view them as hospitals where people can receive care for their hurting spirit within them.

We’re not inviting people into our company expecting to get something in return. We’re inviting them in because there’s a spiritual war going on out there, and we’re all getting attacked and injured. We all need to be healed by hearing again the good news that “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45).

An unselfish attitude will naturally lead to unselfish actions.

Again, what does this look like? Where there is hunger, we bring food. Where there is loneliness, we bring love. Where there is doubt and despair, we bring hope and assurance. Where there is conflict, we bring forgiveness and peace. Where there is sickness, we rush to Jesus in prayer.

When you see the needs of others in plain sight, you can humbly serve them. Helping another human being as Jesus served and helped you is the most rewarding experience life has to offer.

Jesus, empower me to act justly; to love mercy; and to walk humbly with you today. Amen.

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All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.