(Mat 12:14-21 KJV) Then the Pharisees went out, and held a council against him, how they might destroy him. {15} But when Jesus knew it, he withdrew himself from thence: and great multitudes followed him, and he healed them all; {16} And charged them that they should not make him known: {17} That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, {18} Behold my servant, whom I have chosen …

(Phil 2:1-11 KJV) If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, {2} Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. {3} Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. {4} Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. {5} Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: {6} Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: {7} But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: {8} And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. {9} Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: {10} That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; {11} And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Jesus is to be our example. And He was a servant.

I think it’s very easy to get trapped into thinking of ourselves. When we think of ourselves, we are constantly worried about whether we are happy or whether we think our "needs" are being met. When we are thinking of others, we become concerned about their needs.

Sometimes we tend to feel a little uncomfortable around some kinds of people. We may try to avoid them, but Jesus won’t.

(Luke 7:36-50 KJV) And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee's house, and sat down to meat. {37} And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster box of ointment, {38} And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment. {39} Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner. {40} And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on. {41} There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. {42} And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most? {43} Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged. {44} And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head. {45} Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet. {46} My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment. {47} Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little. {48} And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven. {49} And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also? {50} And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.

Simon didn’t feel comfortable having this woman in his living room. Jesus had no problem. She was received by Jesus because she was crying to Him for help. She wept over her sins. It’s almost like Jesus was her last hope. And He doesn’t turn her away.

It doesn’t matter who you are or what you’ve done. If you’re willing to come to Jesus for help, then there’s a little bit of fire smoldering in your heart. Jesus won’t try to put out the fire, He’ll fan the flames.

Note: Parents – be careful that your discipline doesn’t end up putting out the fire in your kids. Husbands and wives – be sensitive to the other when they’re hurting.

There will be a time when God will no longer be patient, but for now, He still has some patience left.

(2 Pet 3:9 NLT) The Lord isn't really being slow about his promise to return, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to perish, so he is giving more time for everyone to repent.

Some people will ask you the question, "If God is so loving and so powerful, then why does He allow evil to exist in the world?" Well the truth is, there will be time when God will no longer put up with it. For now He is being patient and "holding His tongue" because He wants to give people a chance to repent.