1 Thessalonians 5:13
“And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →They should hold such leaders in the highest love because of their work, and live at peace with one another.
What Does 1 Thessalonians 5:13 Mean?
Paul deepens the call of the previous verse: not merely to know their leaders but 'to esteem them very highly in love.' The regard is to be warm and abundant, and the reason is given plainly, 'for their work's sake.' It is the labor they do, the service they give, that earns this high and loving esteem. Then Paul adds a closely related charge: 'be at peace among yourselves.'
Honoring those who serve and keeping peace in the body belong together, for both flow from love. A church that loves its leaders and lives at peace within itself is a healthy and beautiful thing. Notice that the esteem is rooted not in personality or rank but in 'work,' the faithful service rendered for Christ and His people. And the call to peace reminds us that love must reach in every direction, toward leaders and toward one another alike. Where there is high regard for faithful labor and genuine peace among the members, the community reflects the harmony of Christ. Paul longs for his people to be marked by exactly this love and peace.