“Let love guide your life, for then the whole church will stay together in perfect harmony.” Colossians 3:14 LB

While there are no perfect leaders, God gives pastors the responsibility of maintaining unity in the church. And it’s a thankless job. Too often pastors have the unenviable task of serving as a referee between hurt, warring or immature people. They’ve been given the impossible task of trying to keep everyone happy, which even Jesus couldn’t do!

The Bible’s clear about how we’re to relate to those who serve us: “Be responsive to your pastoral leaders. Listen to their counsel. They are alert to the condition of your lives and work under the strict supervision of God. Contribute to the joy of their leadership, not its drudgery. Why would you want to make things harder for them?” (Heb 13:17 TM). Leaders are human. They need our prayers, appreciation and love. That’s why we’re commanded to: “Honour those… who have been given the responsibility of urging and guiding you along… Overwhelm them with appreciation and love” (1Th 5:12-13 TM). Overwhelm them with what? You’ve got it – love! God blesses churches that are united. Furthermore, when He has a bunch of baby-believers He wants to birth, He looks for the warmest incubator He can find. So what are you personally doing to make your church family warm and loving?

There are people in your community who are desperately looking for love and a place to belong. When they find a church where the members genuinely love and care for each other, you’ll have to lock the doors to keep them out!