The Five Principles For Christian Global LeadersSample

COMPASSION

In the opening verse of this passage of Scripture, we are told to put on compassionate hearts. 

The idea of “putting on” is an image of getting dressed or clothing ourselves. In being told to put on the virtue of compassion we are essentially being told to live according to the new identity we have been given in Christ. This command is given to all Christians in general, but it is also an important marker of a Christian leader. 

Compassion is a very intimate thing and for good reason. To be a compassionate leader means to be a leader who is sympathetic and shows concern for others. We see this modeled perfectly in Christ. For example, think about Mark 6:34, “When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them because they were like a sheep without a shepherd.” In this verse, we read that Jesus was compassionate for those whom He saw because they were in need, but had no one to lead them. 

In putting on compassion and leading with a heart of compassion, the Christian leader views those he is leading, and others, in the same way. Once he sees a need, he desires to meet that need due to his compassion for others. 

Without compassion, the Christian leader really is not very different from a non-christian leader. Christian leaders first need  to love their followers, but it is more than just a duty. This love has to be coupled with compassion. 

We also see that it is compassion that leads to the raising up and training of new leaders. This is the example we see with Moses and Joshua, Elijah and Elisha, Jesus and the disciples, and Paul and Timothy. 

Consider your own leadership for a moment. Is it marked with compassion for those under your leadership? Would those that you are leading say so? What are some things that you can do to continue to grow in compassion for those around you?