Lead with Love

Many people choose a word to guide their year; perhaps joy, patience, or kindness. This year, my focus became a simple phrase: lead with love.

This phrase is a daily reminder of how I want to interact with others, whether I have known them for years or have just met them. I want people to know they are welcomed, seen, and valued. Sometimes that love is expressed through a warm smile, a kind word, or a thoughtful gesture. Other times it means being fully present, remaining patient, or choosing steadfastness even when it is inconvenient. My hope is that those I encounter would leave knowing they mattered.

As I reflected more on this phrase, I realized that I am simply trying to imitate...the heart of God.

The Heart of the Father

From the very beginning, with creation, God's love was evident. He spoke the world into existence, declaring it good, and then He put the crowning touch on it - mankind - created in His own image and likeness (Genesis 1:26–31). Long before we ever sought Him, He was leading with love.

Throughout Scripture, we see that every action God takes flows from His loving character. For example, He gave us His Word, the Bible, so that we might know Him. As the psalmist wrote, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). The Bible is God's invitation to know His heart and to walk in His ways. He gave us His Word; the greatest love story ever written, revealing His heart and His relentless pursuit of His people.

But the greatest expression of His love came by sending us His Son Jesus, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son…” (John 3:16). And while we were still sinners, not after we had earned His favor, “Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). He led with love.

Then, yet again, leading with love, when Jesus ascended to the Father, He did not leave us as orphans. He sent the Holy Spirit to live within us, to guide, comfort, teach, and lead us in His truth (John 14:26). He invites us to draw near to Him with confidence to the throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16), where He is readily available and patiently listening whenever we come to Him in prayer.

Even in seasons of difficulty, God’s love never ceases. Like a potter carefully shaping clay, He continues His good work in us (Isaiah 64:8), by His Spirit, faithfully transforming us into the likeness of Christ because, “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion” (Philippians 1:6).

Faithful Through the Ages

Our future is secure because of His love. Jesus gave us this beautiful promise: “I am going there to prepare a place for you” (John 14:2). What incredible assurance that the One who loved us enough to die for us is also preparing our eternal home.

Every act of God toward us begins and ends with love: “We love because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19).

God’s love is not based on our performance but on His unchanging character. Because we have been so deeply loved, we are called to love others in the same way. Jesus said, “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples” (John 13:34–35).

Love in Action

Today, before you speak, before you respond, before you act, ask yourself this simple question: What would it look like to lead with love? You may discover that one small act of Christlike love has the power to brighten someone's day…and perhaps even point them to the God who has always, and will always, lead with love.

In Christ's love,

Tracey

Take a few moments to listen to “Lead with Love.”