Leading with Love: A Reflection

In my professional journey, I experienced the profound impact of being led with love by a nursing supervisor. During a challenging project, she imparted wisdom that reshaped my understanding of my role and contributions:

"Some people are starters, and some are finishers. You are not a quitter if you start new things, develop teams to take over, and then move on to the next challenge. That is a calling. It isn't always your job to maintain the field you plowed."

Her words validated my inclination towards initiating projects and setting the stage for others, freeing me from the guilt of not always seeing things through to completion. This nurturing guidance allowed me to embrace my role as a visionary and team builder, reaffirming my unique contributions and fostering a deep sense of purpose.

Similarly, I had the opportunity to lead with love in my role as a church leader, supporting a fellow leader through the loss of their spouse. Overwhelmed by grief and responsibilities, this individual struggled to manage both personal and church duties. Recognizing their need for support, I encouraged them to delegate some responsibilities to trusted community members. This gentle push to delegate was not about shirking duties but about acknowledging their need for healing and ensuring effective leadership. By creating a supportive environment and offering practical solutions, I aimed to ease their burden and empower others. This experience underscored the importance of leading with compassion, patience, and genuine concern for the well-being of those we lead.

Oswald Sanders, in his book "Spiritual Leadership," emphasizes the importance of tact and diplomacy. He describes these qualities as the skill to reconcile opposing viewpoints without causing offense or compromising principles. A biblical example of this is seen in Paul's relationship with Philemon and Onesimus. During Paul’s imprisonment in Rome, he became a mentor to Onesimus, a runaway slave whose owner, Philemon, was a church leader in Colossae. Paul wrote to Philemon, asking him to receive Onesimus not as a slave but as a brother in Christ. Rather than commanding, Paul appealed to Philemon out of love, saying, “Although in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do, yet I prefer to appeal to you on the basis of love” (Philemon 8–9). This approach emphasized equality, friendship, and mutual respect, demonstrating profound tact and diplomacy.

In all our relationships, may we strive to lead with love, preserving harmony and upholding principles, just as Paul exemplified. By doing so, we create communities built on mutual respect and genuine care, fostering environments where everyone can thrive.