While we wait for Christ’s Return –
Honor God in our Relationships in the Church
We should demonstrate good spiritual health in our relationships within our churches by showing honor and respect to our leaders.
“Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to give recognition to those who labor among you and lead you in the Lord and admonish you and to regard them very highly in love because of their work …” I Thess. 5:12-13
Annually, October has been suggested as Pastor Appreciation Month; however, appreciation for your pastor and staff can be acknowledged any day, any month. We are to recognize and respect them in genuine love.
Paul, specifically mentions their labor and work, leadership, and wise counsel. Pastors don’t labor long hours for praise and recognition. They provide loving, pastoral care for your well-being. They share wisdom in love to help you in your walk with the Lord.
How can you or your family or group demonstrate meaningful and sincere appreciation for your pastor/staff and their families? Time to brainstorm and come up with some practical ways to honor them. (Words of Encouragement – Thank You Notes – Cards, Meals, Special Desserts, Gifts, etc.)
We are also held accountable for our relationships with other church members. “Be at Peace among yourselves.” I Thess. 5:13b Since disunity is one of Satan’s weapons, Christians can honor God by getting along with others.
In I Thess. 5:14-15, Paul outlines practical commands for noting the condition of others and caring for one another. “And we exhort you, brothers and sisters: warn those who are idle, comfort the discouraged, help the weak, be patient with everyone. See to it that no one repays evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good for one another and for all.”
We are to come alongside the discouraged, the weak, and comfort and carry them. Be patient with everyone, just as God has been patient with you. We combat evil by doing good.
Those outside the church are watching how we treat our pastor and how we treat one another.
You have your marching orders!