“…and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves“
in love
The congregation has the responsibility to “love” their leaders. It is one thing to hold them in high regard, but it is something else to “love” them.
Principle:
It is not enough to respect our leaders; we must love them.
Application:
It is not enough to respect your leaders; you must love them. We do not love our leaders when we criticize and malign them. “Roast preacher” for Sunday dinner is a direct violation of this passage. If we debunk and belittle our leaders, then there is not much hope for that local church.
