“Love is not a feeling. Love is an action…true love is an act of will…it is correct to say ‘Love is as love does’” ~ M. Scott Peck
Good, responsible and honest leaders pay their debts and don’t owe anything to anyone except by mutual agreement. Becoming “debt free” is a noble goal for anyone. Paying your employees, vendors, and even taxes on time is a matter of character and integrity. But what about the one debt that you always owe but can never pay in full? It is due to everyone you know and requires you to make payments every day.
Owe nothing to anyone, except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God’s law…These and other such commandments are summed up in this one commandment: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no wrong to others, so love fulfills the requirements of God’s law. (Romans 13:8-10 NLT)
God’s love language is loving others through you. You are a part of the Body of Christ: His Ambassador, a child of the King. Your actions reflect “Whose” you are as you represent God’s love to others through your words and actions every day. How are you doing on paying your daily obligation to love those around you in a way that represents God’s love for them?
Love is always paid forward. When it comes to our “love debt”, it is never based on what others owe us but is always about what we owe them. We owe them the same love God freely gives us. We can give others God’s love because God first loved us. Here’s what John writes:
Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other. No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is brought to full expression in us. (1 John 4:11-12 NLT)
Lead your team with love today. How you show love to others will reflect God’s love for them. It will positively impact your relationships and therefore the culture of your organization. Be intentional about the practical ways you can frame your words and actions as an ambassador of God’s love.
It’s not always easy and you will not always succeed. Just like any other discipline in good leadership, you must begin with an awareness of the need and then be intentional about taking action. Always take the high road and show God’s love to those that don’t deserve it. After all, that’s how God loves us.
Accountability is a powerful tool for keeping a commitment. Find a trusted friend who will help you stay on track in your commitment to lead with love. Love people well and you will lead them well. Prayerfully ask God to guide you with His love in your interactions with everyone He brings across your path today. After all, you owe it to them.