Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.
1 Thessalonians 5:13 NIV
Be At Peace
One Prescott, Ontario resident is now in possession of a unique piece of Canadian history. Teresa Jansman received a surprise letter in the mail last October from Public Services and Procurement Canada, notifying her that they would be sending her a Canadian flag that recently flew atop the iconic Peace Tower on Parliament Hill – 17 years after she put her name on the list. The flag was shipped to her just a few months later, much quicker than the estimated 12-month shipping period the federal government had outlined.
***
I have many friends who serve the Lord full-time in ministry. Some are pastors, others lead global ministries, others yet serve as chaplains in the military or in an institution. Without exception, they genuinely love those they are called to serve. We often pray together, or they send me prayer requests for those God has placed in their care. If you have been in the care of these faithful men and women, you are blessed and deeply loved. In 1 Thessalonians 5:13 the apostle Paul tells us how we ought to respond: “Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.” Paul reminds us here to hold our leaders and fellow believers in high esteem—not out of obligation, but out of love. Think of it as honouring the effort and heart God has placed in them. Everyone is doing their part in the kingdom, even when we don’t always see the full picture. So today, speak words of encouragement. Extend grace. And cultivate peace in your interactions. All of this reflects God’s heart.
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley