Loving Your Adversaries

This is an excerpt from God Is My CEO 2nd Edition, in which forty business leaders share their timeless wisdom.

Al Quie

Former Governor and Congressman, State of Minnesota

“As I look back, one of my greatest satisfactions was loving my enemies and having them become my friends. One night I had a life-changing experience. I felt deeply convicted by the Holy Spirit about how I judged my enemies. That experience changed the way I approached people.

“When I was running for Governor of Minnesota, I asked myself, If I was elected, who would be the most important Democrat? When I became Governor, I went to talk with him, but he wasn’t interested in a relationship with me. He became my chief nemesis. I realized that I wanted him to help me, but I wasn’t giving anything to him. I asked him, ‘What are you trying to accomplish for this country? What are your principles and goals?’ My way of loving and giving was to pay attention to his work and ask about him and his purpose. It took time, but we eventually built a solid and trusting friendship.

“Amazing things happen if individuals can operate as Jesus did. We had a small prayer group of Republicans and Democrats our political views differed greatly. We agreed that Jesus loved us even though we were sinners, so we could love each other in spite of our differing views. We employed ‘congenial disputation’we disputed each other to get to the truth but we were also courageous enough to be vulnerable, and took the time and commitment to build trusting relationships. We grew to love each other despite our differences.”

Who do you need to approach differently? How can you show love to that person today?

* * * * * * * *

Business leaders face the difficult task of reconciling their personal beliefs with the bottom-line demands of their business obligations. Often, it seems like the conflict between short-term business strategies and their desire to “do the right thing” pull them in opposite directions.

• In God Is My CEO, readers learn how to:Develop their God-given talents and skills, while developing a spiritual center
• Gain ideas and encouragement through real-life stories of successful business leaders who have faced the same challenges
• Learn to apply a practical daily plan to overcome the toughest business issues
• Focus their energies and thoughts on moving forward with a sense of purpose

Many business leaders struggle with the dilemma of being successful and living a life with purpose.God Is My CEO offers a practical and inspirational source of guidance for achieving a balanced and accomplished life.