8 Attributes of a Servant Leader

How might you recognize a servant leader in action? Since Jesus Christ is the best example of a servant leader, lets consider His actions as a litmus test for leaders in training. Jesus led through love - agape love. Not the emotional, heart-pounding, romantic love we associate with the term today, but true, action-filled, unconditional love called "agape" in Greek. Servant leaders should exhibit agape love by embodying these eight attributes. 

• Patient - do we always get things right the first time? Be patient. 
• Kind - no one wants to be treated poorly. We treat others as we want to be treated. Be kind. 
• Humble - we are all flawed and we know it. We admit it; own our mistakes. Be humble.
• Forgiving - restoration is about second chances. We've all been given one. Be forgiving.  
• Selfless - fulfillment comes from putting the needs others before our own. Be selfless. 
• Respectful - we don't always have to agree but we are not disagreeable. Be respectful.
• Honest - we speak many languages but lying is not one of them. Be honest.
• Committed - we never, never, never give up. Be committed. 

Servant Leadership Exercise:

Read through the Gospels and find examples of when Jesus exudes each of these eight attributes and write them down. Reference these attributes and examples often. At the beginning of every month, write down examples of how you have offered agape love to your followers.