Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. – (I Thessalonians 5:12-13, NIV)
Now brothers and sisters, we ask you to recognize the value of those who work hard among you – those who, as followers of the Lord, care for you and tell you how to live. Show them the highest respect and love because of the work they do. – (I Thessalonians 5:12-13, ERV)
Brothers and sisters, we ask you to show appreciation to those who are working hard among you and those who are your leaders as they guide and instruct you in the Lord – they are priceless. When you think about them, let it be with great love in your heart because of all the work they have done. Let peace live and reign among you. – (I Thessalonians 5:12-13, VOICE)
It is our charge to show appreciation and love to those who teach, guide, and walk alongside us in the Lord. For me, I have been overwhelmingly blessed with amazing pastors throughout my life. What many are unaware of is the energy and investment that they make behind the scenes. Pastors are so much more than the person at the pulpit on a Sunday morning. They are friends, spouses, parents, family, and are the faithful to come alongside during life’s highs and lows. Personally, through my most difficult seasons, pastors and leaders within the church have come along and walked beside me and have helped in tangible ways. I know this is the case for so many. If there is a birth, a death, a crisis, or a reason for celebration, pastors and leaders are at the ready to show up and love well. They are approachable and willing to answer questions and have candid conversations. I know not everyone has shared a similar experience, but one bad experience should not taint the view of all. So many love their families and communities well, and lead in a way that models a life in pursuit of God’s purpose for their lives. Though October is deemed Pastor Appreciation Month, it is good to appreciate pastoral people in our lives throughout the year. May we ever seek the Lord to show us how to appreciate those whom He has called to hold pastoral positions, and may we hold them in high regard and live at peace with each other.
O Lord, please show us,
to appreciate;
those You have chosen,
to help bear the weight.
The weight of burdens,
and struggles in life;
blessed peacemakers,
who help settle strife.
Help us to love well,
as we have been called;
all thanks to You, Lord,
for those You’ve installed.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the pastors and leaders whom You have purposefully placed in our lives. Thank You for the love, sacrifice and care that they make daily for their communities. Forgive us for not recognizing the blessings that they are, or for taking their goodness for granted. Show us how to appreciate those whom You’ve charged well, as we love and live in peace as You intended. Lead us to love those around us and those who lead us well. May many come into a lasting relationship with You as they experience the goodness of Your grace for themselves. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to lead us to love and appreciate well all those whom You have purposefully placed in our communities. Amen.
© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present
I always thank my God for you because of His grace given you in Christ Jesus. – I Corinthians 1:4
Revelations In Writing 