This isn’t about being soft but it is being wise.
Leaders who lead with compassion have self-awareness of the baggage that they carry which can make conflicts worse; they listen, creating atmospheres of genuine understanding so that their members know they are heard; foster environments where concerns can be raised without risk of being shamed or embarrassed and feedback is encouraged and not seen as rebellious.
“I call God as my witness—and I stake my life on it—that it was in order to spare you that I did not return to Corinth. 24 Not that we lord it over your faith, but we work with you for your joy, because it is by faith you stand firm. So I made up my mind that I would not make another painful visit to you. 2 For if I grieve you, who is left to make me glad but you whom I have grieved? 3 I wrote as I did, so that when I came I would not be distressed by those who should have made me rejoice. I had confidence in all of you, that you would all share my joy. 4 For I wrote you out of great distress and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to grieve you but to let you know the depth of my love for you.” ( 2 Cor 1 v 23-2 v4)
Two Church members were giving the Pastor cause for concern, in fact they were causing him pain. The tension between these members and him could be cut with a knife. He has met them. Others have met them. But they remain fixed with their list of what they do not like about him and the Church. He called me. Vulnerable. Yet firm in his ministerial decisions and needing help to navigate the consequences that he now faces. I helped him.
This is a similar scenario of Paul. He loved the Church but he was facing complaints. His decision to delay a return to Corinth even though he had said he would visit them was not because he was unreliable, the accusation against him. Though the details are sketchy it appears that a certain man (there is always one!) was causing problems for Paul (we will see this tomorrow from v5-9). It seems that Paul’s advice for them to deal with the man was unheeded and the correction that Paul brought hurt both himself and them.
It was because of compassionate leadership. We need more of it.
- It gives space and time for healing not more confrontation to the death.
- Sometimes to write is better than to speak for it gives time for a change of heart (we don’t have this missing letter).
- It doesn’t let go of convictions but delivers the truth with tears.
- It is authenticated by vulnerability.
- It does not hide. Either from the arrogance of office or a title. Transparency does not hide behind pain either.
This is compassionate leadership.
Missions Paul 