12 We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, 13 and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. (I Thessalonians 5)
As Paul, Silas and Timothy wrap up this letter, they have covered the main topics of concern, but there are still a few "mini-messages" they would have shared if time allowed. The first one is "How to Treat Your Local Church Leaders". Some of the things said in this letter might bring an "ouch" to some people in the congregation. Don't shoot the messengers; they are only passing on the truth we need to hear. Honor and love them as fellow brothers and more; they sacrifice in ways we often do not see. Most of all, live peacefully with other members of the congregation; nothing hurts a servant-leader more than seeing brothers and sisters in Christ turn on each other and do the Devil's work for him. He seeks to divide and conquer, and we shouldn't give him such an easy time of it. Treat your pastors/elders/leaders well. This will honor Christ.
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