One of the most significant implications of Hebrews 13. 17 (soul count) for which I am grateful is to learn early in ministry that I have no right not to love and refuse to care for the soul of someone whom God trusts. important that we must understand as shepherds, for we have all who despise us in our congregations; those who annoy us with something we have said or done; that’s how we’ll realize it when we’re before God.
Reading this, some of you may think that these kinds of people are a good reason to start over, but I tell you that you are, in fact, a good reason to stay and hold on. Why are these difficult people a good reason to stay?and hold on?
- Observe God’s work through your ministry so that those who once despised you grow up to love and appreciate you.
I remembered that when I reflected on a visit I made several years ago to the hospital to see an old woman who was almost dead but slowly recovering, she was someone who for years would publicly attack me and slander me in front of the whole church. He wasn’t my biggest fan. Although tensions have subsided in recent years, I didn’t expect much from him.
I sat down with this woman and had a very encouraging and pleasant visit with her. She was warm, kind and kind to me. She congratulated me for taking such good care of herself and the church over the years, so I began to look carefully at her?Hidden camera, who had been implanted, came to hug me when I left. When she died a few years later, I preached at her funeral because she had asked me to.
Unable to humanly explain everything I had experienced that day, God reminded me of one of the greatest joys of staying and supporting these people, while enduring criticism, complaints, and verbal attacks, and we try to love and care for the souls of those who attack us, God in His grace may eventually allow us to convince them.
What a powerful testimony of God’s power working in his shepherd and sheep when he does this. It was not the first time god allowed me to experience this and I can certainly say that it is one of the greatest joys I feel now in pastoral care. ministry with my congregation.
Pastors, stand firm on the things you know are true and correct. Do they love those who love them as much as they love them?At least now. So don’t be surprised when you wake up one day (in a few years) and discover that a church member who’s been cold for years has suddenly warmed up.
By: Brian Croft. © Practical Shepherding, Inc. Website: practicshepherding. com. Translated with permission. Source: Why should a pastor stay in a church for a long time?
Original: Why should a pastor stay in a church for a long time?© Return to the Gospel. Website: voltemosaoevangelho. com All rights are reserved Translation: Paulo Reiss Junior Comment: Filipe Castelo Branco.