- 2 Timothy 1:1-6 - Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus, To Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing, that I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day; Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy; When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also. Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 - And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.
Just as God calls pastors to shepherd His flock, He also calls believers to support them with prayer and encouragement. If you attend a church, God has placed spiritual leaders in your life to train you in righteousness and teach you His truth. Your pastor prays for your spiritual well-being, labors, and cares for you. Therefore, he also needs to feel your care.
In his second letter to Timothy, Paul shows us how we should encourage those who serve:
* Let your pastor and his family know that you love them. One of the greatest encouragements for a person is to know that they are loved and valued. Kind words are precious, but love is even more effective when demonstrated through actions. * Express your trust in your pastor. Tell him that you see his sincere faith and appreciate the devotion he shows in teaching you the Word of God. * Affirm that God has called him to this ministry. Cooperate with your pastor, respect his spiritual leadership, and share with him when you see God working in your life through him.
When was the last time you expressed your appreciation to your pastor and his family? Look for opportunities to bring them joy and encouragement this week. Most importantly, pray for them. Ask God to give them wisdom, strength, and faithfulness so they may continue their ministry to glorify Him.
Reflection
What specific step will you take this week to express your appreciation to your pastor?