Lead with Love.

Since 1983, the third Monday in January has been observed nationally in remembrance of legendary civil rights activist and world-renowned minister, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Born January 15, 1929, in Atlanta, GA, King graduated from Morehouse College in 1948 and studied at Crozer Theological Seminary in Chester, Pennsylvania before obtaining his doctorate at Boston University in 1955.

And the rest, as they say, is history. From student body president to Southern Christian Leadership Conference founder, Dr. King used his life, voice, and platforms to champion civil rights issues at all costs. For many, he will be forever celebrated as the face of peaceful progress, nonviolent advancement, and leadership with love. Though his life was cut short by his assassination in 1968, his legacy lives on as we reflect upon how Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. accomplished the seemingly impossible: overcoming hate with love.

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Hate – the passionate dislike of another – is an emotion as old as time, though its existence and effects are at an all-time high. Hate speech, hate crimes, and hate-motivated behaviors are more visible today than in years past, as the United States grapples with discrimination and division. Experts believe hate stems from a combination of fear, lack of compassion, and learned behaviors. In 2020, 838 hate organizations were believed to be operating within the United States alone. And while the emotion is often associated with race, gender, and sexual orientation, hate can develop anywhere.

So how do we battle a feeling that we can’t always see? Is there any time hate is appropriate? And how do we address hateful behaviors within ourselves? Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. put it this way, “…hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” To end hate, we must always practice love, especially when tempted to dislike another passionately.

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To show love, we must know love – both what it is and isn’t. Love isn’t just a word or feeling. It’s a complex combination of actions, behaviors, and emotions, including consideration and respect. I Corinthians 13: 4-7 says this, “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. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”

We are patient, kind, forgiving, truthful, protecting, trusting, and hopeful when we love. Conversely, envy, boasting, disrespect, concern for only ourselves, quick temperament, and evildoing give place to hate. If we want to lead with love and honor the legacy of transformational, loving leaders who came before us, we must ask ourselves if our actions, behaviors, and emotions are consistent with love. Initially, this can seem difficult, but with divine guidance, prayer, and practice, we can all learn to lead with love.

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Read more about the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. here and check out this fantastic write-up on how to respond lovingly to others at all times.