Leaders with Heart

In our world of loneliness and despair, there is such an enormous need for men and women, who know the heart of God, a heart that forgives, that cares, that reaches out and wants to heal. In that heart there is no suspicion, no vindictiveness, no resentment, and not a tinge of hatred. It is a heart that wants only to give love and receive love in response. It is a heart that suffers immensely because it sees the magnitude of human pain and the great resistance to trusting the heart of God who wants to offer consolation and hope.
--Henri Nouwen, In Jesus Name

There is a stirring among Christian leaders worldwide by the concern that they are not properly represented by the media. Some groups probably deserve the portrayal of Christians as some right wing extremist. However, many of these groups are very different than the media portrays them. One such group is Focus on the Family. I had the opportunity to do a three day, 230 mile bike ride several years ago with several of their staff, including Ryan Dobson, son of the Dr. James Dobson. What a loving group that really cares about all people! "Great grace was upon them."

The core of living the Way of Christ is love! Whatever actions that are taken in the name of Christ, should be with the heart that Henri Nouwen so eloquently describes. Jesus prayed that we should be defined by our love. Love isn't a "public relations" tactic. Love is the essence of God, and should be the essence of who we are.