Kohathite: Leading With Love | The Story That Sparked The Question

Leading With Love | The Story That Sparked The Question

I once watched a moment unfold in a crowded grocery store that stayed with me far longer than I expected. A young mother was juggling a cart, a restless toddler, and a handful of items that kept slipping from her grasp. The line was long, and you could feel the collective impatience in the air. Then, an older man quietly stepped forward. Without saying much, he held the child’s toy that had fallen and gently handed it back, smiling kindly at the weary mother.

The atmosphere shifted. What had been tense and impatient suddenly softened because one person chose to lead with love.

That’s the kind of leadership this world desperately needs—not always standing at podiums or directing large teams, but showing up in the everyday moments with kindness, humility, and compassion. Leading with love doesn’t require a title, wealth, or influence. It requires a willing heart.

What It Means to Lead with Love

Leadership is often associated with authority or power, but Scripture consistently reframes it. True leadership, according to God’s Word, looks like servanthood, mercy, and love.

“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” — John 13:35

Yeshua (Jesus) didn’t say people would recognize His followers by their eloquence, their accomplishments, or their influence. He said love would be the marker. Leading with love is not optional—it is the very essence of what it means to follow Him.

Love as Strength, Not Weakness

Sometimes love is dismissed as “soft” or “weak,” but Scripture teaches us that love is powerful and enduring.

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.” — 1 Corinthians 13:4-5

Though this passage is often read at weddings, its wisdom stretches far beyond marriage. Imagine applying this kind of love to workplaces, schools, neighborhoods, or even political discussions. The strength it takes to remain patient and kind when the world is pressing in proves that love is anything but weak.

Anchoring Love in the Old Testament

Love and compassion aren’t just New Testament themes. God has been calling His people to lead with love from the beginning.

From Psalms:

“The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.” — Psalm 145:8

When we lead with love, we are reflecting God’s character. His patience and compassion are not distant attributes but daily realities we are invited to embody in our own relationships.

From Proverbs:

“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” — Proverbs 15:1

Leading with love often looks like choosing gentleness when anger would be easier. In workplaces, families, and friendships, a gentle answer has the power to transform conflict into connection.

From Isaiah:

“Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.” — Isaiah 1:17

Love is not passive. Leading with love includes standing up for those whose voices are silenced or overlooked. It means pairing compassion with courage to address injustice.

Everyday Acts of Loveful Leadership

Leading with love doesn’t always make headlines, but it can make a difference in someone’s day—or even their life. Here are simple ways it can look in everyday life:

Offering your seat to someone who looks tired on public transit.
Choosing kind words when frustration is on the tip of your tongue.
Listening fully when someone feels unheard.
Advocating for those in your community who are struggling.
Giving generously—not only with money but with time, encouragement, and presence.

These small acts create ripples that extend far beyond what we can see.

Resilience Rooted in Love

There are those who carry burdens quietly, yet they continue to show up with kindness. That is resilience. To lead with love in a world that often rewards selfishness is an act of courage. Each time we choose compassion over indifference, gentleness over harshness, and justice over silence, we are building a legacy of love that outlives us.

A Gentle Invitation

This writing comes from a heart that longs to see our communities shaped by love, dignity, and compassion. If these reflections on leading with love have encouraged you, I’d like to gently invite you to partner in this mission of writing and advocacy:

Pray for strength and wisdom to keep sharing words that uplift and inspire.
Share this post with someone who might need a reminder of love’s power.
Encourage by leaving a note, story, or thought that builds this community.
Give, if you feel led, to help sustain this work so that more stories of faith, resilience, and justice can continue to reach others.

There is no pressure—only the joy of knowing we can build something beautiful together.

Because in the end, leading with love is not just a choice; it is a calling. And when we walk it out together, the world cannot help but be changed.