How do I care for the people I lead? - Caring - TouchPoints

1 Samuel 30:21-25Then David returned to the brook Besor and met up with the 200 men who had been left behind because they were too exhausted to go with him. They went out to meet David and his men, and David greeted them joyfully. But some evil troublemakers among David’s men said, “They didn’t go with us, so they can’t have any of the plunder.” . . . But David said, “No, my brothers! Don’t be selfish with what the Lord has given us. He has kept us safe and helped us defeat the band of raiders . . . . We share and share alike—those who go to battle and those who guard the equipment.”

Leadership keeps the whole person in mind, not just their productivity. It also recognizes and affirms the different roles and abilities of each person. Sometimes a leader must take measures to accommodate the realities of human struggles and trials.

2 Samuel 23:15-17David remarked longingly to his men, “Oh, how I would love some of that good water from the well by the gate in Bethlehem.” So the Three broke through the Philistine lines, drew some water from the well by the gate in Bethlehem, and brought it back to David. But he refused to drink it. Instead, he poured it out as an offering to the Lord. “The Lord forbid that I should drink this!” he exclaimed. “This water is as precious as the blood of these men who risked their lives to bring it to me.” So David did not drink it. These are examples of the exploits of the Three.

Godly leaders often inspire sacrificial service from the people they lead. And there are times when a leader must lift up and praise a person’s sacrificial service, even at the leader’s own expense.

1 Thessalonians 1:2-3We always thank God for all of you and pray for you constantly. As we pray to our God and Father about you, we think of your faithful work, your loving deeds, and the enduring hope you have because of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Godly leaders must affirm and pray for the people they lead.