John 13:34-35 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Why Great Leaders are Loving Leaders.
In his book, Spiritual Leadership, J. Oswald Sanders makes this short but profound statement, “Real leaders are in short supply.” You might ask why, and the answer is that leaders struggle with this final transformative characteristic—great leaders are loving leaders. They appreciate others and hold them in high esteem.
This section of Exodus 18 concludes with verses 25 and 26, where we see Moses follow the counsel of Jethro and the command of God. Why? Because he loves and esteems the people he is leading. This final characteristic holds three truths.
A loving leader is God-focused.
This means that he loves God more than he loves himself and, therefore, desires to follow God’s commands. The gospel writer John defines love as walking according to God’s commandments. A loving leader prioritizes their love for God above all else.
The loving leader is people-focused.
He loves the people he is leading. Moses did what was good and right for the people. Jesus defined love in the Upper Room when He stated the new commandment to love one another as He has loved us. In other words, we are to love each other perfectly, as we have been loved by Jesus perfectly. Jesus demonstrated this love by washing the disciples’ feet, by serving them. A loving leader learns that when he loves and esteems those he leads, he serves them by listening to them, leading them by his example, liberating them to do the work they are gifted to do, and learning from them.
Finally, the loving leader is Kingdom-focused.
He is not focused on building his kingdom; he is focused on building God’s Kingdom. God’s Kingdom is eternal; what is done to build His Kingdom will last for eternity. What a legacy!
This is exactly what Jesus did.
He loved God and did what the Father commanded. He loved the people by serving them and dying for them so that they might live. He loved doing the work of the Kingdom. Why are great leaders in such short supply? Because great leaders are known by their love for God, His people, and His Kingdom. The world will know we are disciples of Jesus if we love one another; if we esteem and appreciate one another. That’s what loving leaders look like!
He chose capable men from all Israel and made them leaders of the people, officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens. They served as judges for the people at all times. The difficult cases they brought to Moses, but the simple ones they decided themselves. Exodus 18:25,26
Reflections: Love should be active and visible, manifesting in acts of kindness, forgiveness, and service. It is not merely an emotion but a commitment to the well-being of others.
Prayer: Jesus, who is my neighbor today? As You have bound up my wounds, I pray that You would use me to bind up wounds for the hurting in our city. Holy Spirit, would You lead me? Would You speak to me and highlight those with whom You want me to have conversations, those You want me to help and bless? Would You fill my heart again with Your compassion, and may I carry Your love to this city and beyond? I pray for my brothers and sisters, today, my neighbors. Open my heart and my eyes to what You’re doing around me. Oh Lord, help me to care for those You care for and love those You love. May Your love shine and radiate through my life. Every thought and every deed. I love You Jesus. It is all for Your glory. Amen.
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