Bible verses about leading by example stress how important setting a good example is.
Biblical leaders are expected to provide an example for people around them by showing kindness, humility, or perseverance, among other virtues.
Leading by example is one of the most effective ways a leader can have an impact on those around them.
A leader can influence and drive those around them to follow their example by modeling the conduct they wish to see in others.
Bible Verses About Leading By Example
There are numerous verses in the Bible that stress the value of setting an example and the effect it can have on those who follow.
From the Old Testament to the New Testament, figures of leadership with moral character and compassion include Moses, David, and Jesus.
The following verses encourage us to work toward being the kind of leaders who motivate others to follow in Christ’s footsteps by serving as a reminder of the strength and responsibility that come with leading by example.
These verses can serve as a source of wisdom and motivation for those in positions of leadership who want to improve the world.
Titus 2:7 (ESV) – Show Integrity And Dignity In Your Teaching
Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity,
Philippians 4:13 (ESV) – I Can Do All Things Through Christ
I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
1 Corinthians 11:1 (ESV) – Be Imitators Of Christ
Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.
John 3:30 (ESV) – Increase In Every Side
He must increase, but I must decrease.”
Psalm 78:72 (ESV) – Guided By God’s Skillful Hand
With upright heart he shepherded them and guided them with his skillful hand.
1 Timothy 5:17 (ESV) – Double Honour For Good Preachers And Teachers
Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching.
Acts 1:8 (ESV) – The Power Of The Holy Spirit
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
Acts 20:28 (ESV) – Pay Careful Attention
Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.
Psalm 101:5 (ESV) – God Detests An Arrogant Heart
Whoever slanders his neighbor secretly I will destroy. Whoever has a haughty look and an arrogant heart I will not endure.
Psalm 32:8 (ESV) – The Way To Go
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.
1 Timothy 4:12 (ESV)
Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.
1 Peter 3:15 (ESV)
But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,
2 Timothy 2:24 (ESV)
And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil,
1 Timothy 3:1-5 (ESV)
The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.
He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church?
John 16:33 (ESV)
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV)
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
1 Peter 5:1-6 (ESV)
So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.
And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” …
2 Timothy 2:15 (ESV)
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.
Hebrews 13:17 (ESV)
Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.
1 Peter 5:3 (ESV)
Not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.
James 3:1-5 (ESV)
Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body.
If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! …
Matthew 25:21 (ESV)
His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’
1 Peter 2:21-6 (ESV)
For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth.
When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.
John 10:11(ESV)
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
Mark 10:42-45 (ESV)
And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
1 Timothy 3:1-2 (ESV)
The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,
John 18:15-16 (ESV)
Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple. Since that disciple was known to the high priest, he entered with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest, but Peter stood outside at the door. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to the servant girl who kept watch at the door, and brought Peter in.
Conclusion
The Bible emphasizes the importance of leading by example in both words and actions. Jesus himself modeled servant leadership, and his followers were called to do the same.
In 1 Timothy 4:12, it says, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.” This verse emphasizes the importance of setting a positive example for others, regardless of age or position.
Similarly, in Matthew 5:16, Jesus says, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” This verse highlights the importance of living a life that reflects God’s love and goodness to others, so that they may be drawn closer to Him.
leading by example means embodying the values and behaviors that you want others to follow, and living in a way that reflects the character of Christ.
By doing so, we can inspire and influence others to follow our example and ultimately bring glory to God.
