If I speak in tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or clanging cymbal. (1 Corinthians 13:1)
One of the principles in the Army’s leadership doctrine is this: “Know your soldiers and look out for their well-being.” Effective leadership demands that leaders know their soldiers and demonstrate genuine caring for them. One way to show concern is through words. Another way to show concern is through actions. And it’s true — usually actions speak louder than words. But there can still be a missing piece. Leaders can do and say all the “right” things and somehow fail to convey the message to soldiers that they really care.
The missing ingredient is what the Bible calls love. No, not the mushy, romantic kind of love most people associate with the word. Rather, it is a gut-level kind of caring that enables you to place high value on the lives and needs of your soldiers — at times, even above your own.
As a leader, don’t just make noise. Show love to your soldiers — the kind of love God has shown you.
