LEADING THE YOUNG PEOPLE IN LOVE (EPHESIANS 4:16-18) by VERY REV. GIDEON DOTSE OSABUTEY

VERY REV. GIDEON DOTSE OSABUTEY
Cert. L.S.C.M. Dip Ed., B.A, B.ED.,M.Div.,M.Phil

Director, Youth Development Ministry

The Methodist church Ghana

INTRODUCTION

Navigating relationships can be challenging in today's society, particularly for young people who must contend with social media influences, changing ideals, and cultural pressures. 
Leading people in love requires wisdom, endurance, and a strong foundation in biblical teachings.

Ephesians 4 provides a solid foundation by emphasizingharmony, spiritual development, and a caring attitude toward community. 

Leaders, such as parents, mentors, pastors and young leaders, play an invaluable role in helping young people build Christ-centered relationships rooted in respect, kindness, and self-awareness.

 

WHO IS A LEADER?

Leaders are often described as being focused on relationships and outcomes that are more strategic than operational. They are someone who influences, guides, and inspires others to achieve a goal or fulfil a shared vision (Sanders, 2007; De Pree, 2004). It is common to characterize leaders as being more strategic than operational in their focus on connections and results. A leader often has a vision and a plan for achieving it. "You are a leader if what you do encourages others to dream bigger, learn more, do more, and become more." Adams, John Quincy. The youth need a leader who will arouse their enthusiasm and encourage them to follow in order to achieve a shared objective. 

Leading involves:

1. Synchronising the group's efforts so that they are timely and of sufficient quantity and quality.

2. Clarifying relationships, assigning responsibilities, delegating authority and establishing accountability, 

3. Selection, training and developing the skills of people for the work that needs to be done, influencing people to work for the achievement of individual or group goals, and 

4. Determining a course of action for the future.

 

Most young individuals want those mentioned above to be done with love. In general, love is a personal or emotional bond with a person or object. According to philosophy, love is a virtue that embodies all of humanity's compassion, generosity, and devotion. 

Erich Fromm has defined love in terms of four universal factors that have applicability for the leadership relationship:

1. Caring: This is often preferred to love within an organisational context as a descriptor of the leader’slove. Caring is the genuine and authentic actions of one person that serve the best interest of another.

2. Responsibility: This refers to the ability to respond to others' needs and accept the responsibility to help them succeed, demonstrating a leader's commitment to those they serve. Responsibility includes helping others to achieve their highest potential as they pursue an organization’s goals.

3. Respect: Love includes treating others with dignity, grace, and full recognition of their right to make their own choices. Respecting others honors not only who they are but also acknowledges their potential greatness.

4. Knowing: Love demands the investment of truly knowing, understanding, and compassionately serving others. Love also requires that individuals know and fully appreciate their worth and value, in addition toknowing and valuing others.

The pursuit of connectedness with others is what makes love so powerful and creates the commitment and trust that make relationships and organizations successful.

When you are leading, the youth want to feel that you are there for them and with them. They want a leader who will scold, reprimand, and lovingly guide them; they want a leader who will be kind to them and not treat them unfairly. 

The youth seek a leader who will live according to Matthew 7:12, which states that you should treat others as you would like to be treated, including your children or any other family members. 
The young people will give their all if they see the person in charge of them possessing these and other attributes. 

SCRIPTURAL EMPHASIS: EPHESIANS 4:16-17

Ephesians 4 emphasizes Christian maturity and unity, reminding believers that every member of the Church has a role in promoting growth and harmony within the body of Christ. Chapter four (4) contains valuable principles for young people as they learn to love and interact with one another.

Ephesians 4:16-18 discusses themes of unity, growth, and the transformative power of faith within the body of Christ. Apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of unity in the Christian community and the roles that individuals play within the body of Christ. He encourages believers to grow in their faith and maturity, supporting and learning from one another.

Verse 16 highlights the interconnectedness of believers, describing the Church as a body where every part works together for growth.

In verse 17, Paul talks about the transformation from walking in faith rather than following worldly ways. 

Verse 18 of the Chapter focuses on the condition of the heart and mind. It warns against ignorance and a hardened heart, which can lead to disconnecting from God and others. 

These verses underscore the importance of community and encourage us (young people) to engage with our peers, mentors, and the broader faith community. They emphasize that we cannot be alone in the faith journey and that collective growth is crucial, especially among young people.

Young people today face numerous influences, including peer pressure, social media, and societal expectations. Young people are encouraged to align their values and decisions with their faith rather than conforming to negative societal norms and unhealthy behaviors. (Romans 12:2).

Additionally, we are reminded of how crucial self-reflection and openness are to learning. Let's develop a heart that is open to development via the Bible, guidance, and life experiences. 
Our young people will progress toward Christ if we help them renew their hearts and minds through the word of God, encourage them to pursue Godly transformation, and help them embody the qualities of kindness and patience.

As leaders in this generation, we hold a vital responsibility to deeply embed these principles within the hearts and minds of the young people we mentor and disciple.

 

APPLICATION

To put Ephesians 4:16-18 into practice, one must cultivate important interpersonal skills that demonstrate godly wisdom and love. Leaders may inspire youth to incorporate these values through deliberate mentoring, thoughtful conversations, and practical application.

 

1. Encouraging Transparent Communication:Teaching young people to communicate openly and honestly lays the foundation for healthy relationships. By modelling active listening, constructive dialogue, trust, and creating a safe space, leaders foster a culture of transparency.

 

2. Building Empathy and Compassion: The Scripture highlights the importance of gentleness. Leaders can engage young people in activities that build empathy, such as promoting volunteerism through community service, evangelism visits to hospitals, discussions (sharing personal struggles) and role-playing scenarios to understand others’ perspectives.

 

3. Establishing Boundaries and Self-Respect:Respecting oneself and establishing boundaries are key to maintaining godly relationships. They protect one's emotional and mental well-being and boostconfidence and self-esteem, making one resilient. 

​Leaders can guide young people in setting personal boundaries, understanding self-worth, ​and upholding values aligned with God’s teachings.

 

1. Cultivating Patience in Relationships: Relationships thrive on patience (because it allows for thoughtful reflection and responses) and resilience. Leaders can encourage young people to approach relationships with understanding, knowing that challenges can lead to growth when handled with love, reflecting God's wisdom and patience.

 

2. Promoting Accountability in Community: In the scripture., Paul emphasises unity in the body of Christ. Leaders can teach young people to find accountability partners within their community, helping each other remain steadfast in their faith and values, which contributes to spiritual growth and maturity. (Prov. 27:17)

 

 

EVIDENCE OF CHRISTIAN MATURITY

Christian maturity is displayed through resilience, integrity, and the ability to navigate relationships with a Christ-centredapproach. Scripture outlines characteristics of maturity thatyoung people can develop as they grow in their faith.

1. Consistency in Spiritual Practices: Maturity is seen in a person’s commitment to prayer, Bible reading, and community engagement. These practices ground young people in their faith, preparing them for godly relationships and reflecting Christ's character.

 

2. Emotional Resilience and Patience: Mature believers respond to challenges with patience and grace, trusting God’s timing. Young people demonstrate maturity when they choose to handle conflict with understanding rather than frustration. This preserves relationships and promotes effective resolution.

 

3. Commitment to God’s Values: As young people deepen their relationship with God, they develop wisdom and discernment, and increasingly resist negative influences, instead choosing relationships and activities that align with their faith.

 

4. Seeking and Offering Forgiveness: Maturity in faith involves extending grace to others and seeking reconciliation. Young people display maturity when they prioritize understanding, forgiveness, and humility in relationships.

 

5. Serving Others with Humility: A mark of maturity is the willingness to serve others selflessly and compassionately. The Scripture teaches that service within the community promotes unity and love, reminding young people that maturity involves contributing to others’ growth and encouraging mutual support.

 

 

 

CONCLUSION

It's a big responsibility to lead young people in love, and it calls for patience, direction, and reliance on biblical wisdom. Ephesians 4 provides deep insights into the qualities required for wholesome relationships, emphasizing love, unity, and maturity as essential principles. By investing in the guidance of young people, parents, leaders, and mentors help create a solid basis for relationships that glorify God and demonstrate His love.

Leaders must remember that when young people are grounded in biblical principles, their Christian lives will remain steadfast and unexposed. With the support of the faith community, young people can learn to cultivate godly relationships, which can lead to empathy, self-respect, and integrity.

 

 

REFERENCES

Adams, J. Q. (1841). Letters of John Quincy Adams to his son, on the Bible and its teachings. Auburn, NY: Derby, Miller & Co.

De Pree, M. (2004) 'Leadership is an art.' New York, NY: Crown Business.

Sanders, J. O. (2007) ‘Spiritual leadership: Principles of excellence for every believer.’ (Rev. ed.). Chicago, IL: Moody Publishers.

The Bible

Love is Respect - Loveisrespect.org: A youth-oriented resource focused on healthy relationships.