5I have a special concern for you church leaders. I know what it's like to be a leader, in on Christ's sufferings as well as the coming glory.G4245G1722G5213G3870G3588G4850G2532G3144G3804G5547G2532G2844G1391G3195G6012Here's my concern: that you care for God's flock with all the diligence of a shepherd. Not because you have to, but because you want to please God. Not calculating what you can get out of it, but acting spontaneously.[G4165G4168G2316G1722G5213G1983G3361G317G235G1596G3366G147G235G42903Not bossily telling others what to do, but tenderly showing them the way.G3366G5613G2634G2819G235G1096G5179G41684When God, who is the best shepherd of all, comes out in the open with his rule, he'll see that you've done it right and commend you lavishly.G2532G750G5319G2865G4735G1391G2625And you who are younger must follow your leaders. But all of you, leaders and followers alike, are to be down to earth with each other, for— God has had it with the proud, But takes delight in just plain people.G3668G3501G5293G4245G1161G3956G5293G240G1463G5012G3754G2316G498G5244G1161G1325G5485G50116So be content with who you are, and don't put on airs. God's strong hand is on you; he'll promote you at the right time.G5013G3767G5259G2900G5495G2316G2443G5312G5209G1722G25407Live carefree before God; he is most careful with you.G1977G3956G5216G3308G1909G846G3754G846G3199G4012G5216
He Gets the Last Word
8Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping.G3525G1127G3754G5216G476G1228G5613G5612G3023G4043G2212G5101G26669Keep your guard up. You're not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It's the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith.G3739G436G4731G4102G1492G846G3804G2005G5216G81G1722G288910The suffering won't last forever. It won't be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ—eternal and glorious plans they are!—will have you put together and on your feet for good.G1161G2316G3956G5485G3588G2564G2248G1519G846G166G1391G1722G5547G2424G3958G3641G846G2675G5209G2675G4741G4599G231111He gets the last word; yes, he does.G846G1391G2532G2904G1519G165G165G28112I'm sending this brief letter to you by Silas, a most dependable brother. I have the highest regard for him. I've written as urgently and accurately as I know how. This is God's generous truth; embrace it with both arms!G1223G4610G4103G80G5213G5613G3049G1125G1223G3641G3870G2532G1957G5026G1511G227G5485G2316G1519G3739G247613The church in exile here with me—but not for a moment forgotten by God—wants to be remembered to you. Mark, who is like a son to me, says hello.G1722G897G4899G782G5209G2532G3138G3450G520714Give holy embraces all around! Peace to you—to all who walk in Christ's ways.G782G240G1722G5370G26G1515G5213G3956G1722G5547G2424G281