How can we "esteem them very highly in love" in our church community? Our Guiding Verse “...and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.” (1 Thessalonians 5:13) What the Text Says Literally - “Esteem” (Greek: hégeomai) means to regard, count, or consider with deliberate thought. - “Very highly” piles superlative on superlative—an overflowing, abundant honor. - “In love” marks the motive: not duty alone, but genuine affection. - “Them” points back to “those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you” (v. 12): pastors, elders, ministry leaders. Whom Are We Esteeming? - Shepherds who preach and teach the Word (1 Timothy 5:17). - Elders who watch over souls (Hebrews 13:17). - Faithful servants in various functional roles—deacons, ministry heads, teachers—who bear spiritual responsibility. Why Esteem Matters - God Himself sets leaders in place (Acts 20:28). - Honoring them honors the Chief Shepherd they represent (1 Peter 5:4). - It strengthens the church’s witness: unity and peace testify to the gospel (John 13:35). - It protects leaders from discouragement so they serve “with joy and not with groaning” (Hebrews 13:17). Practical Ways to Esteem Very Highly in Love 1. Pray consistently for their spiritual stamina, families, and decisions. 2. Speak well of them—publicly affirm, privately defend against gossip (Proverbs 17:9). 3. Respond eagerly to biblical counsel; bend the knee before the Word they proclaim. 4. Share encouraging stories of fruit their ministry produced in your life. 5. Give materially: “The worker is worthy of his wages” (1 Timothy 5:18). 6. Volunteer to lighten their load—administrative tasks, event setup, visitation help. 7. Provide restful breaks: gift cards, childcare, time away, pulpit supply. 8. Celebrate milestones—anniversaries, ordinations, answered prayers. 9. Guard unity: resolve conflicts quickly so leaders can lead, not referee (Ephesians 4:3). 10. Involve their spouses and children in appreciation; love the whole household. Related Scriptures That Echo the Call - Hebrews 13:17: “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls... Let them do this with joy and not groaning, for that would be of no benefit to you.” - 1 Timothy 5:17: “The elders who lead well are worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching.” - Galatians 6:6: “The one who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor.” - Philippians 2:29 (re: Epaphroditus): “Welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor men like him.” Guarding the Peace of the Church Paul tacks on, “Be at peace among yourselves.” Esteem and peace rise or fall together: - Honor disarms rivalry. - Respectful speech shuts the door on slander. - Loving cooperation frees leaders to lead and congregations to flourish. Living It Out This Week - Identify one concrete act of appreciation you can carry out today. - Send a note or text of encouragement before the week ends. - Commit to praying by name for each leader at least once this week. - Evaluate your own speech about leadership; replace critique with intercession. |
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