by Nicole Chapman

{Excerpt from my upcoming book, A Shepherd’s Heart}/Part II

To understand the responsibility shepherds in the church have to love their sheep, we could easily reflect on the shepherding occupation. However, we need to go where love originated. And, so, the best way to grasp how a shepherd is to love his flock is to look at God’s way of shepherding us. It’s God’s sacrificial, unconditional love that church leaders should willingly give to their people.

AGAPE love = the unconditional love of God.

Agape love is selfless love. God’s love for us is exactly this—a selfless love of action. To know God is to know love. God’s love for us has no strings attached. Simply, it is what it is, which makes it so pure.

Every leader needs to understand the love that God offers. Yet, what if you just don’t know how to love? Much is required from a leader, like: respecting those under you and mentoring those you lead. Moreover, you need to pray for your sheep too. Obviously, shepherds are expected to give a lot—to whom much is given, much is required. But love is something God takes seriously. If something is hindering you from loving, you need to go to first to the Father for help. Pray for healing. Be aware that all are fully capable of love. But, if you’ve been taught the wrong way to love, or if you’re harboring unforgiveness in your heart, etc., your love towards others will be hindered. If you don’t know what love is, God has clearly explained it in I Corinthians 13:4-7:

4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.(NIV)

As God commanded for man, we’re to love all (I John 3:23). Loving one another is an example of how God loves us. Why He created us and why He sent his son to die for us. Adulterers, criminals, drug addicts, atheist—God loves all. God never said loving all would be easy. But it is a command, and what He requires from us. Choose to walk in love (2 John 1:6).

Leaders lead by example. Show your sheep that no matter what…good or bad…you can still love them. Love them so they can learn how to love God’s way. Love can be caught. If you’re not throwing it out there, nobody’s catching.  Lead to make a difference.

Remember, it’s God’s unconditional love that separates the church from the world. Love, with no strings attached, is attainable through God. Once you understand love’s potency, you can stand against all that the enemy would love to rob from you or your sheep. Love’s power shouldn’t be underestimated. Researchers have proven that “feel good” hormones (serotonin) get released when people feel loved. Single-handedly love can accomplish a lot… heal, restore, and build up. Love allows for change.  Give the people what they need. Spread the love and watch the transformation occur.

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