Running Head: THE CHARACTER OF LOVE DOES 1
The Character of Love Does
Macayla Cox
Liberty University
THE CHARACTER OF LOVE DOES 2
Colossians 3:14 states “and above all these things put on love, which binds everything
together in perfect harmony” (ESV). This verse seems very simple on the surface, but it delves
into one of the most defining points of character, love. Love is something that is treated lightly
today; the word is thrown around easily and the true meaning and impact of it can often get lost.
Bob Goff’s organization, Love Does, is working to change that and spread Christ’s love to all
people. Love Does has been operating since 2001 when Goff saw a need to fight trafficking in
India. Since this powerful beginning, Love Does has continued to spread their ministry and
emulate true character through their work in foreign countries.
Love and compassion should be at the center of every business. Organizations that treat
their employees fairly and show their appreciation for them tend to be more successful. Chen,
Chen, Hsu, and Podolski’s study found that “treating employees well benefits firms and
shareholders, for well treated employees are encouraged to create intellectual property” (2016).
If managers and business owners show love towards their employees, productivity can often go
up and a strong loyalty is built. Being treated with respect will create a harmony between the
firm and the employees and assist in making that company the best it can be. Many businesses
have made the mistake of becoming distant from their employees. They cut hours and benefits in
order to keep the company afloat, which leads to disgruntled workers and even businesses going
under. By bringing love into the workplace, the employees will often be more passionate about
their work, which will overall make the business more successful.
Love Does has made their impact through the love they freely show to those in need and
their transparency. Every dollar made by the organization is put towards more projects in an
effort to spread God’s love. Goff realized that many third world countries did not have the
opportunities to learn about God’s character and realized that there was a way to connect
THE CHARACTER OF LOVE DOES 3
character with helping to rebuild the communities both physically and emotionally. Hartman
explains the importance the character of a business is “business ethics should go beyond virtue
and discuss character…people of strong character act according to their commitments and values
despite possible short-term pressures and temptations to the contrary” (1998, p. 549). Goff’s
organization has done everything from handing out meals to planting trees, anything to show
love to the people of these nations that are suffering.
Love is at the core of God’s character and should also be at the center of his follower’s
lives. Since Love Does has been so determined to stay focused on spreading the love of God, the
business has thrived and grown. They are continuing to spread love to many people in need while
still succeeding as a non-profit organization. It is clear that by having love as the base of a
businesses character, they are able to succeed and continue to develop.
THE CHARACTER OF LOVE DOES 4
References
Chen, C., Chen, Y., Hsu, P., & Podolski, E. J. (2016). Be nice to your innovators: Employee
treatment and corporate innovation performance. Journal of Corporate Finance, 39, 78-
98. doi:10.1016/j.jcorpfin.2016.06.001
Hartman, E. (1998). The Role of Character in Business Ethics. Business Ethics Quarterly,
8(3), 547-559. doi:10.2307/3857437
