Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears.
Acts 20:28-31
Paul wanted the Ephesian elders to remember how he served them—not only with diligence and doctrinal purity, but also with passion: “with tears.” Not everyone is equally demonstrable regarding tears. But with or without actual tears, responsible shepherds of God’s people think about, are concerned for, and even worry about the sheep. Why? Because spiritually minded shepherds love Christ and therefore love His people.
Because the mortal shepherds of God’s sheep are sheep as well—and are therefore fallible, and yes, even sinful—we make mistakes, we drop the ball, we fail, and we sometimes disappoint people. But rest assured that unless a shepherd is a false one, he earnestly loves and cares for the sheep.
Application #1: Shepherds love God’s people. And this applies to more than elders and deacons in the church. May all who serve do so motivated by love for Christ and for His people.
Application #2: “Remember” (as Paul said) how your earthly shepherds lovingly and even passionately serve. Thank God for them. Pray for them. And be forgiving when they are less than perfect.