Saturday, October 3, 2026
The EmancipatorWE HONOUR OUR SHEPHERDS IN THE KINGDOM
Dear brothers and sisters, honor those who are your leaders in the Lord's work. They work hard among you and give you spiritual guidance. Show them great respect and wholehearted love because of their work. And live peacefully with each other
— 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13
You must recognize the family nature of the kingdom and church. Our Father is Yahweh, we are brethren in the one body of Christ our Lord, and He has given us people gifts in our ministers of God and leaders. One characteristic that makes you stand out in the kingdom and keeps you always fresh in grace is honouring your shepherd. God is a God of order and in His wisdom has given various gifts to His people (Ephesians 4:11) who will equip them. Although you have the same life of God as your pastor, apostle, teacher or prophet, you are wise when you recognize that by virtue of the office, they have been called into, they deserve special honour. Our scripture today tells us to show great respect towards them. Be circumspect in your speech with and about them. Recognize that they are accountable to God for you (Hebrews 13:17) and so do not make their work difficult. Love them genuinely and be ready to serve when called upon. A kingdom-cultured child of God is never bereft of grace when he honours his shepherd.
I declare that I am never bereft of grace because I genuinely love and honour my shepherd. Hallelujah!