Devotional

Devotion on Leadership – Pastor Larry D Johnson

​

Leadership Qualities and the Fruit of the Spirit
Galatians 5:22–23

In Galatians 5:22–23, Paul reminds us that true spiritual maturity is revealed not by position, but by fruit:

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance…”

When we think about leadership, we often think of vision, strategy, and influence. But Scripture points us to something deeper. The most lasting leadership qualities are not developed in boardrooms or platforms — they are cultivated in the heart by the Holy Spirit.

1. Love: The Foundation of Influence

A leader without love may command attention, but never true loyalty. Love seeks the good of others. It listens. It sacrifices. It corrects without crushing. People will follow someone who genuinely cares for them. No body cares about how mush you know until they know how much you care.

2. Joy and Peace: The Climate of Leadership

Joy steadies a leader during difficulty. Peace prevents panic when challenges arise. A Spirit-filled leader brings calm into chaos and hope into uncertainty. Their presence becomes a refuge rather than a pressure point.

3. Longsuffering and Gentleness: Strength Under Control

Leadership involves people — and people require patience. Longsuffering keeps us from giving up on those who grow slowly. Gentleness ensures that authority is exercised with compassion rather than harshness.

4. Goodness and Faithfulness: Integrity in Action

Goodness reflects moral consistency. Faithfulness reflects reliability. These qualities build trust, and trust is the currency of leadership.

5. Meekness and Self-Control: Guardrails of Character

Meekness is not weakness; it is power submitted to God. Self-control protects a leader from impulsive decisions, emotional reactions, and pride-driven responses.

Application

The fruit of the Spirit is not optional for leaders — it is essential. Programs may grow a church or organization, but only character sustains it.

Leadership that bears spiritual fruit does more than accomplish tasks; it shapes lives.

As we lead — whether in the church, the home, or the community — may our greatest qualification not be our talent, but our fruit.