Speaking the Truth, Kindly
Paul calls us to speak the “truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15) and also says “Love is kind” (1 Corinthians 13:4). What does it mean for a leader to speak truth kindly? To be kind is to think about the other person’s feelings and not cause any harm or damage. So, leaders who speak truth kindly […]
Speaking the Truth, Patiently
Paul calls us to speak the “truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15) and also says “Love is patient” (1 Corinthians 13:4). How can leaders speak the truth patiently? Patience simply means to accept delays without becoming angry or annoyed. So, speaking the truth patiently requires leaders to think carefully about the timing of their words. They […]
Speaking the Truth in Love
Your words matter, a lot! It matters what you say, how you say it and why you say what you do! Solomon’s words, “the tongue has the power of life and death” (Proverbs 18:21), are true for everyone, but should especially challenge leaders who use their tongues to influence others. In my leadership, I have […]
The Leader and Emotion: Peace
We have looked a David’s life to reflect on all kinds of emotions including joy, sorrow, fear, anger, guilt and vengeance. We’ll conclude our reflections on emotion with peace…a pleasant place to finish! 1Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. 2Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he […]
The Leader and Emotion: Vengeance
When someone has opposed your leadership, have you ever wished you could just hit them in the face? Or, knowing that action doesn’t sound very Christian, did you wish God would do the same? Every leader has moments when the natural response is to take revenge and see someone else suffer. David certainly had these […]
The Leader and Emotion: Anxiety
What will happen to me tomorrow? Will I be able to pay the bills? Can I overcome the obstacles I am facing? What if I lose my job? Every leader deals with questions like these about the future. These questions can easily lead to anxiety—a feeling of worry or nervousness about an imagined threat or […]
The Leader and Emotion: Fear
We all face situations that bring fear. Fear can be a very natural response to a situation that presents danger or harm to us. Our bodies react instinctively either to flee or fight. David also experienced fear. 1 Listen to my prayer, O God, do not ignore my plea; 2 hear me and answer me. My […]
The Leader and Emotion: Guilt
Leaders fail! Paul’s declaration that “All have sinned….” (Romans 3:23) certainly includes leaders. And sin produces the emotion of guilt which is not a pleasant feeling! David experienced guilt after committing adultery with Bathsheba. His sin was more public than most and David wrote openly about his guilt. 1 Have mercy on me, O God, according […]
The Leader and Emotion: Gratitude
Emotions are often spontaneous and unplanned reactions to the circumstances of life. David seems to have experienced them all. David also experienced gratitude, an emotion that can be chosen and cultivated by all leaders. Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. 2Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. 3Know […]
The Leader and Emotion: Betrayal
Betrayal is a common experience in leadership which stirs up many emotions. Betrayal happens when a person close to us violates our trust. Betrayal itself is an action, not an emotion. But it often catches a leader by surprise and results in many different emotions such as anger, hurt, bewilderment, etc. A church member may […]