Honouring Elders

Hello everyone,

How are you doing on this day? I hope well and bubbling in the Lord.

Primary Text

“Now also we beseech you, brethren, get to know those who labor among you [recognize them for what they are, acknowledge and appreciate and respect them all] – your leaders who are over you in the Lord and those who warn and kindly reprove and exhort you. And hold them in very high and most affectionate esteem in [intelligent and sympathetic] appreciation of their work….” 1 Thessalonians 5v12-13 (AMP)

“And now, friends, we ask you to honor those leaders who work so hard for you, who have been given the responsibility of urging and guiding you along in your obedience. Overwhelm them with appreciation and love!” 1 Thessalonians 5v12-13 (MSG)

Beloved, based on these verses of Scripture, who are the elders and leaders that have been placed above you, and labour for you; advising and admonishing you? Nearly every single one of us have one, two or more. Do you recognize them and the work that they do? Do you honour them? Do you appreciate them? Do you respect them? Do you hold them in high and affectionate esteem? Are you overwhelming them with appreciation and love? If you haven’t already, how might you begin to do so? There are a lot of brothers and sisters that work hard among us. Do we recognize, appreciate, acknowledge and let them know that their work is valuable?

Supplementary Text

“Obey your spiritual leaders and submit to them [continually recognizing their authority over you], for they are constantly keeping watch over your souls and guarding your spiritual welfare, as men who will have to render an account [of their trust]. [Do your part to] let them do this with gladness and not with sighing and groaning, for that would not be profitable to you [either].” Hebrews 13v17 (AMP)

Prayer

Father, we thank You for the spiritual leaders You have put over Your church. We thank You for their encouragement and guidance. We pray that we would indeed acknowledge, appreciate and shower them with love. We pray that You will strengthen them for the work that they do, and that they would not look back after they have begun to work for the kingdom in Jesus name, amen.