ESTEEM THEM HIGHLY IN LOVE

            Every time I am away for a brief period of time I find myself relaxing in the knowledge that things will go well on the home front.  For the most part, I attribute this sense of well-being to the fact that we have elders - - church shepherds who guide our flock.  Not all congregations are blessed with men who serve in this capacity.  While they are charged with guarding “the sheep" (Acts 20:28), we are directed to let them know that they are dearly beloved.  To re-state the words of Paul, we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction, and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work... (1Thess.5:12-13).

Have you hugged our shepherds lately?  It doesn’t have to be a bear hug - - they will be quite content with a SHEEP HUG!

                                                                                                                        Terry Siverd / Cortland Church of Christ