“Courage is standing up for what is right, even when it’s hard.“
Charlie Kirk
Last week, we lost a leader and a voice who challenged so many to stand firm in their convictions – Charlie Kirk. While his life was tragically cut short, his impact will remain. He reminded us that courage, truth, and conviction matter, even when it’s hard. As leaders, there’s a lesson in his life that transcends politics: the balance of truth and love.
One of the hardest balances in leadership is knowing when to speak truth and when to lead with love. Lean too hard on truth without love, and you risk crushing people with your words. Lean too hard on love without truth, and you risk enabling poor choices or letting mediocrity slide.
Charlie Kirk once said, “Courage is standing up for what is right, even when it’s hard.” That doesn’t mean being harsh or unkind… it means standing firm in truth, while letting love guide your approach. As leaders, this is non-negotiable: our people, our teams, and even our families deserve clarity delivered with compassion.
Jesus gave us the perfect example. He didn’t shy away from truth. He called out hypocrisy, challenged assumptions, and set high standards. But He did it with love, grace, and the heart of a shepherd. Think about it—He spoke to the lost, the broken, the proud, and the fearful, and somehow they felt seen, valued, and challenged all at once. That’s the balance every leader should pursue.
Here’s what that looks like in practice:
- Speak truth clearly, but with humility. Don’t sugarcoat what’s wrong – address it – but don’t do it to shame. Your goal is growth, not ego.
- Lead with love first. Your team should know your care isn’t conditional. When people feel loved, they are open to correction and growth.
- Own your mistakes publicly. There’s nothing more disarming and inspiring than a leader who says, “I messed up, here’s how I’ll fix it.” It’s truth with vulnerability.
- Challenge gently, but relentlessly. If something isn’t right, guide your team to the better way, even if it’s uncomfortable.
Charlie also reminded us, “Stand for what’s right, even when no one else does.” Courage isn’t about being liked – it’s about being faithful to truth. Truth without love can wound, and love without truth can drift. Jesus showed us the perfect balance of both.
As leaders, we are called to this delicate balance every day. It’s not easy. It takes prayer, patience, and a heart fully surrendered to God. But when we get it right, our words build up instead of tearing down, our teams grow & thrive instead of floundering, and our influence lasts instead of fading.
So today, as we remember Charlie Kirk, let’s honor his life by committing to lead with truth, courage, and love. Ask yourself: are you leading with truth without love, or love without truth? And how can you bring Jesus’ balance into the way you lead your team, your family, and yourself?
Because at the end of the day, leading in truth and love isn’t just a strategy – it’s a calling for leaders. And it’s one worth living, every single day!