Jesus Style Leadership 2 - Love & HeartSample

What’s Love Got to Do with It?

Leadership Lesson

It’s difficult to lead like Jesus if you don’t appreciate how much God loves you.

Read Ephesians 3:14–19.

Comment

Paul is praying from prison for the Ephesian Christians. One of his main prayer points is that they might know the incredible love of God. They have certainly had an initial experience of God’s love. They have been “rooted” (an agricultural term) and “established” (a building term) in love (3:17), but according to Paul, that is only the beginning. Paul knows that there is so much more of God’s love to grasp and experience. As you appreciate more of the immense love God has for you, you will be filled with God (3:19). You will see how Jesus deeply (and highly and widely) loves you and believes in you. As this sinks into your heart and mind, you will find freedom to love and serve those you are leading. It makes such a difference when you lead from a deep knowledge of being loved by God. If you are trying to earn his love, you will be plagued by doubts, fears, defensiveness, and inadequacy. Remember the Father’s words to Jesus after His baptism: “This is my Son whom I love; with him, I am well pleased” (Matt. 3:17). God wanted to make it clear that he loved Jesus and was pleased with him, and he wants to do the same for you. I pray that you will “have power to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ” for you (3:18).

Prayer

Lord, I know that you love me. You have called me to be your child and have paid the price for all my failures. I am deeply loved. But there is so much more to your love. You care about everything that happens to me. You walk every day with me. You continually breathe new life into me. You laugh and cry with me. You have plans and dreams for me. You long for the day when you bring me home to all that you have prepared for me. Please grow my understanding and appreciation of your love.

Personal Reflection

Take some time to rest in God’s love. Let him love you. Hear God’s words over you: “This is my son/daughter whom I love; with him/her, I am well pleased.”