My transparent moment.
On my journey, i found out that everyone don’t have my best interest at heart, including leadership and believers when we know those that labor among us, we won’t be shocked when they show us who they really are i won’t take back nothing that i been through because I’m learning through what i go through.
Sad to say it’s hard to get to know people in the ekklesia because most people introduce us to their representative. We never get to know people nowadays and it’s hard to cultivate a Christlike friendship. 
1 Thessalonians 5:12 KJV
And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you.
Divine story time.
1 Thessalonians 5:12, where Paul urges believers to respect their leaders, was written to a young, persecuted church (roughly one year old) facing internal friction and confusion about Christ's return. The context involves potential tension between church leaders—who were working hard—and members who had become idle or disobedient.
The Role of Leaders: The "leaders" mentioned were likely elders or pastors appointed by Paul to guide this young congregation. Their work involved intense labor, often to the point of exhaustion, in teaching, instructing, and correcting the, at times, unruly, weak, or fainthearted members.
Purpose of the Command: Paul calls for respect and high esteem for these leaders to foster peace within the church, as some members were challenging the authority of those in charge sometime leadership tell people do as i tell you and not as i do that’s a red flag when it comes to leadership or a believer.
Significance: This verse emphasizes that respecting church leadership is essential for maintaining peace and supporting the work of Christ amidst persecution.
This passage is part of a broader, practical set of instructions.
1 Thessalonians 5:12-22 NLT
Dear brothers and sisters, honor those who are your leaders in the Lord’s work. They work hard among you and give you spiritual guidance. Show them great respect and wholehearted love because of their work. And live peacefully with each other. Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone. See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people. Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. Do not stifle the Holy Spirit. Do not scoff at prophecies, but test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good. Stay away from every kind of evil.
Take note 1 Thessalonians 5:12-22
detailing how to live as "children of the light" while waiting for the Lord's return.
In my personal journey within the church community, I've come to realize how vital it is to truly understand and respect those who labor among us spiritually. The passage from 1 Thessalonians 5:12-22 speaks to this deeply, reminding us that church leaders often carry heavy burdens to guide and nurture the congregation. From my experience, leadership sometimes falls short, showing us their authentic selves, which can be challenging to accept, but it teaches resilience and discernment. It's common nowadays to meet people through their representatives, making authentic connection and Christlike friendship harder to establish. This phenomenon can lead to feelings of isolation, as genuine relationships require vulnerability and time to develop. Reflecting on Paul’s instruction to honor and esteem leaders helps me appreciate the importance of community unity and patience despite imperfections. Moreover, these verses encourage us not only to respect leaders but also to care for one another with patience, warning the idle gently, encouraging the timid, and caring tenderly for the weak. This holistic approach to Christian living fosters peace and spiritual growth. Maintaining joy, constant prayer, and gratitude empowers us through trials and strengthens the ekklesia as a whole. The phrase "Don't be evil" from the OCR reminds me that living out these scriptures means avoiding hypocrisy, especially in leadership roles. When leaders act differently than they teach, it becomes a red flag, urging believers to seek wisdom and maintain integrity in their walk with Christ. Ultimately, these teachings reinforce that living as "children of the light" involves mutual respect, active support, and authentic love, creating a thriving spiritual family while eagerly awaiting the Lord’s return.
