Esteem Highly in Love 1 Thessalonians 5:13

Paul the apostle told the Thessalonian church members to “know them which labor among”, “are over” and “admonish” them”. In chapter five and verse thirteen of his letter, Paul told them to “esteem them very highly in love” where we read:

And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.

The verse begins, “And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake.” Paul began with the word, “And” which is a conjunction word that means “also, indeed, even” “to esteem” or “consider, deem, account and think” “them” which refers to “those who labor among, are over and admonish” “very highly” or “beyond, over, exceeding, abundantly, supremely, extraordinary, surpassing and uncommonly” “in love” which is the Greek word “agape'” and means “affection, good will, benevolence and unconditional brotherly love” “for their work's sake” or “by means of, through and on account of their business, employment, enterprise, undertaking, acts, deeds and things done”. According to Paul, the Thessalonian church members were to hold their co-workers and authorities in “high” regard for the work they do.

The verse goes on to say, “And be at peace among yourselves.” Paul continued, “And be at peace” or “in harmony, peaceful and living peacefully” “among” which means “in, with and by” “yourselves” which refers to the Thessalonian church members. As the Thessalonians would “highly esteem” their co-laborers and authorities, peace would be the result.

When we meditate upon Paul's words, we undertand the importance he placed upon highly regarding those who not only work around us, but also who have authority over us. This can be quite contrary for most people as their personal agenda and purpose usually comes before the “regard” of anyone else. As Christians we are to be different from the world. When we hold others in “high regard” rather than diminishing their worth, we receive the blessing of “peace among” ourselves. Let us allow the Lord Jesus by His Holy Spirit to remind us of those who work with us and those who have authority over us, and should their be a chasm in His way, may He bring us not only to the knowledge of it, but also empower us to follow His command.

Next time Paul begins a series of short directives to the Thessalonian church members, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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