As we round off the month of February (love), many of us have longed for love, and rightfully so. Love is a beautiful gift, and every person deserves to be loved. But have you ever considered that the originator of love is God Himself? He doesn’t just give love—He is love (1 John 4:8), and He desires for us to lead with the same love He so abundantly pours out on us. That said, leadership with love is definitely not what the world wants to have conversation about at this time.

In today’s world, leadership is often defined by power, influence, or authority. However, biblical leadership is different. It is servant leadership—a leadership fueled by love, guided by humility, and committed to uplifting others. Jesus, our greatest example, led with love. In John 13:14-15, He washed His disciples’ feet and instructed them to do the same for others. This act was not about position or recognition but about serving others selflessly.

Love as the Foundation of Leadership

Godly leadership starts with love—love for God, love for people, and love for the mission He has placed in our hands. In Matthew 22:37-39, Jesus commands us to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” and to “Love your neighbor as yourself.” True leadership cannot exist apart from love because love is what keeps our motives pure and our actions Christlike.

A leader without love becomes oppressive, self-centered, or indifferent to those they lead. But a leader with love reflects God’s heart, leads with wisdom, and builds lasting relationships based on trust and compassion.

The Marks of a Leader Who Loves Like Christ

1. Compassion Over Control

   Jesus saw people not as projects but as individuals with needs, emotions, and souls. In Matthew 9:36, He looked at the crowd and was “moved with compassion” because they were like sheep without a shepherd. A loving leader takes time to listen, understand, and support those they lead instead of merely issuing commands.

2. Humility Over Prestige

   Leadership is not about titles but about servanthood. Philippians 2:3-4 reminds us, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others.” Leaders who love like Christ put others before themselves and do not see any task as beneath them.

3. Patience and Grace

   Leading with love means being patient with people, just as God is patient with us. Colossians 3:12-13 encourages us to clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. We must bear with one another and forgive just as the Lord forgave us.

4. Integrity and Truth

   Love does not mean compromising on truth. Jesus led with both grace and truth (John 1:14). A leader must stand for righteousness and uphold biblical values while showing kindness and understanding. Proverbs 10:9 says, “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely.” Love and truth must go hand in hand in leadership.

5. Sacrificial Service

   The highest form of love is sacrifice. Jesus gave His life for us (John 15:13), setting the ultimate example of leadership through service. A leader who loves is willing to make sacrifices for the good of those they lead—whether it’s time, resources, or personal comfort.

Applying Leadership with Love in Daily Life

• At Home: Lead your family with patience, understanding, and prayer. Show love in both words and actions.
• At Work: Be a leader who uplifts, encourages, and values others, not just for their productivity but for who they are.
• In Ministry: Serve with joy, knowing that every act of love is a reflection of Christ’s love for His people.
• In the Community: Be a light. Show kindness, extend grace, and help others see the love of God through your leadership.

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A Call to Lead Like Christ

Leadership with love is not a suggestion—it is a command for every believer. Whether you are leading in a church, workplace, home, or community, the heart of your leadership should mirror the heart of Christ. Love should be the force that drives your decisions, shapes your interactions, and fuels your mission.

As we close out this month of love, let’s commit to leading the way God desires—by loving Him first and letting that love flow through every area of our leadership. After all, the greatest leader of all time—Jesus Christ—led with love, and so should we.

May we embrace this calling and trust that as we lead with love, we reflect the heart of our Father in heaven. Amen.

“Let all that you do be done in love.” – 1 Corinthians 16:14