Biblical Leadership: One Word For Your SuccessSample

3. “C” is for Compassion for others.

Our guide word “NICER” uncovers the practical secrets of biblical leadership in our work. 

In this reading, we look at the letter “C”, which reminds us to have “Compassion for others”, especially in our leadership role at work. For this, we look to the life of Jesus during his work on earth. 

First, let’s have a look at what Jesus’ work really was – describing it as we might describe a new business startup today:

• Objective -- Develop a new culture / launch a new product, and set it up for lasting global success. 
• Team -- Find and educate them yourself. 
• Schedule -- Finish the job in 3 years. 
• Budget -- No money. 
• Facilities -- Company facilities (synagogues) are available, but not the support of existing staff (priests, Levites, etc.), who will actually see this new project as a threat.

Wow! I bet you hadn’t looked at Jesus’s earthly assignment to do His Father’s business like that before. Put this way, it’s quite a challenge, even for the Son of God!

So Jesus has more than his hands full with this challenging business startup assignment. Now, let’s catch up with him as he’s out working on this in Matthew chapter 9. 

Here, we find Jesus in the midst of his travels from town to town to preach the good news and heal the sick. He’s on a massive 3-year road trip to change how people see religion and their relationship with God.

A non-stop road trip with so much to do… and as Jesus is en route to accomplish his mission, we are given this report by Matthew:

“When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them...”  – Matthew 9:36 

Similarly, when Jesus’ comes across a funeral procession of people he has never met in his travels, we again hear about his compassion: 

“When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her…”  – Luke 7:13

As CEO of this demanding startup venture, Jesus was busy and pressed for time, yet he still made time to be compassionate. You may also have a busy schedule with pressing demands, but even so, you are still called to have “Compassion for others.” 

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.  – Colossians 3:12

Now, let’s think about your leadership… 

Oftentimes, you may be so busy trying to get your work done, that you can’t find time to even think about finding time to show compassion, even to those in your own organization.

But as Christ-followers, you’re all called to be like Jesus, aren’t you?

So, even if you’re busy or behind schedule, you need to spot the opportunity to exercise compassion, just like Jesus did. Even just a moment here, or a kind word there, is enough to get started.

And, show more and more compassion for others, watch how God can use you for His glory, especially in your leadership at work. 

Reflection / Application

1. To what degree do you exercise compassion in your leadership role at your work? Does that extend beyond your direct reports?
2. Have you ever gone out of your way to show compassion to someone, even though they might not work for you directly? How did that go?
3. What would happen if you made a routine practice of showing compassion for others? Would that help or hinder your work? Would people notice?