What Would Jesus Do?

Why Tone Matters in the Marketplace when you represent the Kingdom

There’s a difference between discernment and delivery—and if you’re a Kingdom leader, how you carry the truth matters just as much as what you say.

I recently shared an insight called “What Would Jesus Do” in relation to a situation that occurred in the marketplace related to integrity, and I felt it was important to keep this series going to help you see things from a different lens. A Kingdom lens. 

Recently, I saw a comment thread online that made me stop and think. A woman had asked a genuine question:

“How does God show you what your spiritual gifts are?”

Someone replied by sharing a link to a resource they’d personally found helpful which was a virtual spiritual gifts test that blends DISC personality insights with biblical giftings. They mentioned they had paid for it but shared the link in case it helped others.

And then came the reply:

“Is this something you have to pay for? Just asking because Jesus never charged anyone.”

Ouch.

Now, I’m not here to criticise because I’m sure the concern behind that question was real and valid. There’s a genuine fear, especially in the Christian space, that spiritual gifts are being commercialised or turned into business opportunities. We should always be mindful of stewardship and how it differs from ownership.

But let’s also be honest: there’s a difference between spiritual abuse and sustainable Kingdom work. Many Christians also battle with understanding that difference, but that’s a conversation for a different day.

Back to the story, the exchange I shared above brought me back to a core leadership truth which is…

You can be right in your discernment, but wrong in your delivery.

Let’s talk about that a bit more.

 

Spiritual Gifts Are Revealed, Not Purchased

I think it’s a given, spiritual gifts cannot be bought, sold, or earned. They’re given by the grace of the Spirit, according to His will (1 Corinthians 12:11).

No quiz, test, or worksheet can replace revelation from the Holy Spirit.

But here’s where wisdom comes in: tools can not define the process, but they can support it. Tools can act like mirrors giving us language for things we’ve sensed but haven’t been able to articulate.

That’s what happened with me when I discovered coaching. I didn’t need a test to know I was called to coach, mentor, lead and equip, but I appreciated tools that helped me understand how I operate best and how to articulate that to others. I also experienced a revelation of my prophetic gifting. It took me a while to understand and even accept it, but God kept showing me confirmation which made it undeniable. God often confirms through people, prayer, and yes, He can even use a simple online assessment.

 

The Kingdom Is Not ‘Anti-Resource’- It’s Anti-Exploitation

Let’s go back to the Jesus part.

Yes, Jesus didn’t charge for healing or deliverance. He didn’t build a PayPal button into the Sermon on the Mount. But the Bible is not silent about honoring labour.

Paul says in 1 Timothy 5:18, “The laborer is worthy of his wages.” In Luke 10:7, Jesus Himself says the same. Paul worked as a tentmaker at times, but he also received support from churches so he could devote himself to ministry.

There is a difference between freely giving the Gospel—and charging for the resources, training, and support that help people walk it out practically in today’s world.

What matters is the spirit behind the exchange. Is it exploitation, or is it Kingdom empowerment?

Tone Reveals Maturity

Let’s talk about that comment again.

“Jesus never charged anyone.”

That one-liner might sound noble, but it hugely misses the spirit of grace. It might score points for religious rhetoric, and the Pharisees would have complemented the writer for sure, but the problem with this one-liner is, it lacks the fruit of the Spirit.

In Colossians 4:6, we’re told, “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.”

Truth without grace leads to legalism.
Grace without truth leads to compromise.
But, grace-filled truth is Kingdom maturity.

As leaders, especially in the online space, we have to be careful that our zeal for purity doesn’t become a weapon against those trying to grow. We can challenge ideas without shaming people. Wait, let me say that again to ensure you caught it…

We can challenge ideas without shaming people. 

Not only ‘can’ we do this, but we must do it!

We can uphold truth without tearing down those who are still learning. Jesus definitely didn’t pour shame on anyone, even if they did wrong.

So… what would Jesus do?

This isn’t just a cliché, it’s a Kingdom standard. And as leaders, it’s a question we should apply daily, especially when we’re interacting in business spaces or online communities.

Well, we know He didn’t charge for healing, deliverance, or the Word, but He also didn’t shame, mock, or attack people for misunderstanding the things of God. Jesus corrected without condemning. He challenged without humiliating. Even when dealing with opposition, His tone was firm but redemptive.

When Jesus encountered people who didn’t fully understand spiritual matters, He asked questions. He taught in parables. He created teachable moments, not public takedowns.

If that comment had been made in front of Jesus, “Is this something you have to pay for? Jesus never charged anyone”, I don’t believe He would’ve responded with a clapback or sarcasm. I believe He would’ve addressed the heart behind it. Because that’s what He always did.

Tone is not just a communication style. It’s a reflection of spiritual maturity and emotional stewardship.

As Kingdom leaders, especially in the marketplace, we must learn that when we lead with the wrong tone, we may be biblically accurate but Kingdom ineffective.

Here are 5 Leadership Behaviours That Jesus Modeled, Which We Can Learn From:

He asked before He assumed.
Jesus led with questions that revealed the heart, not accusations that provoked shame.

• “But who do you say that I am?” – Matthew 16:15
• “Do you want to be made well?” – John 5:6
• “Why are you so afraid?” – Matthew 8:26

Jesus used questions to open hearts, not close doors. He let people reflect and respond instead of instantly rebuking their ignorance or fear.

 

He corrected with compassion.
Even when He brought truth, it was wrapped in grace. His goal was always restoration, not reputation.

• “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.” – John 8:11 (The woman caught in adultery)

He didn’t excuse the sin, but He didn’t shame the sinner either. His tone led her back to dignity before directing her to change.

 

He upheld Kingdom values without attacking personal worth.
Jesus never diluted the truth, but He never used it as a weapon to wound.

• “You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God.” – Matthew 22:29

Even when confronting religious leaders or misunderstandings, Jesus corrected ideas without demeaning the person’s value.

• Luke 18:18–23 – With the rich young ruler, He didn’t ridicule his struggle with wealth. He told him the truth in love and let him decide.

 

He saw the why behind the behavior.
Jesus didn’t just react to words. He responded to the heart and intention behind them.

• Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” – Luke 23:34
  Even in His crucifixion, Jesus recognized the ignorance behind the act and interceded on behalf of those who wronged Him.
• Luke 19:41-44 – He wept over Jerusalem, knowing their rejection was rooted in blindness, not just rebellion.

 

He created safe spaces for growth.
The woman at the well. The tax collector. The outcast. He made room for repentance without ridicule.

• John 4:1- 26 – The Samaritan woman received deep truth, but in a one-on-one, non-condemning space that led to transformation.
• Luke 19:1-10 – Jesus called Zacchaeus down from a tree and chose to dine with him, before the man had changed. The invitation came first, and the repentance followed.

If we say we lead like Jesus, we must do more than quote His words, we must reflect His ways.

Let your correction be redemptive.
Let your boldness be balanced with kindness.
Let your tone testify to the maturity of your message.

Discerning Your Gifts: The Real Way

So how does God reveal your spiritual gifts? Here are a few ways to help you understand:

• Through service: You often discover your gifts as you serve. What flows naturally? What bears fruit? What creates supernatural impact? (Romans 12)
• Through confirmation: God often uses others to confirm what He’s placed in you.
• Through prayer and obedience: Revelation comes when you seek Him first and put faith into action.
• Through testing seasons: Gifts are refined in the fire. Leadership is often revealed in crisis, and your experience often brings forth your gift.

Tools are helpful, but the Spirit is essential. And when you discover your gifts, it’s not so you can promote yourself, it’s so you can serve others with greater clarity, confidence, and compassion.

 

 

Final Thoughts

Let’s be Kingdom leaders who speak life, not shame. Let’s bring clarity, not confusion. And let’s remember:

It’s not just about what you say.
It’s about how you say it.

It matters!

What is your heart posture? Because in the Kingdom, tone speaks volumes, and maturity is measured in both wisdom and grace, so,

• Speak truth, but season it with grace.
• Correct, but do it from love – not pride.
• Challenge systems, but don’t crucify people.
• And always…always, check your heart posture before you hit send, speak up, or step in.

Jesus showed us what Kingdom leadership looks like. Let’s carry that example into every room, boardroom, Zoom room, or comment section.

Because the way we show up matters, and in this noisy world, your tone might be the thing that helps someone finally hear the truth in love.

 

Remember, great leaders, coach, and great coaches, lead. Go, be a great leader for the Kingdom, Coach!

JJ

 

About the Author

JJ is a Leadership, Business & Life Strategist for Kingdom-minded coaches, consultants, and purpose-driven leaders who have accepted their Divine assignment to build bold, profitable, and impactful businesses rooted in Kingdom principles. Known for her straight-talking style and depth of insight, she supports visionaries align their message, master their identity, and grow businesses and ministries that honour their Divine calling.

This blog is a glimpse into the kind of equipping that takes place inside Kingdom Leaders: ACTIVATED—a faith-based business and leadership development community for coaches and service-based leaders who are ready to grow with intention, sharpen their voice, and expand their influence as leaders in the marketplace, the mission field, and beyond—without compromising their Kingdom values.

Join our community, Kingdom Leaders: ACTIVATED, and surround yourself with other Kingdom-minded leaders who are building with purpose, leading with clarity, and showing up in business with power and Kingdom audacity.

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