1 Thessalonians 5:13 – “Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
This verse continues Paul’s instructions about how believers should relate to their spiritual leaders. After telling the Thessalonian church to recognize and appreciate those who work hard among them, Paul now adds a deeper layer: they should be held in the highest regard, and that respect should be rooted in love-not obligation, status, or fear, but love.
Why? Because of “their work.” Paul isn’t telling people to admire personalities or popularity, but to value the selfless service and spiritual care these leaders offer. Their role involves guiding, correcting, and shepherding, which can be emotionally draining and spiritually demanding. Honoring them in love helps strengthen the whole church.
Then Paul includes a command that applies to everyone: “Live in peace with each other.” This isn’t a throwaway line. It’s a powerful call to unity. A healthy church is built not only on truth and good leadership, but also on love and peace among its members. When people honor leaders and pursue peace with each other, the church reflects the heart of Christ.
Historical Context
In the early days of the church, leaders were often ordinary people who had been raised up to serve in a spiritual role. They didn’t have formal titles or long résumés. Because of this, some believers may have struggled with how to relate to them-especially if they were young, recently converted, or previously equals in society.
Paul saw the potential for division or disrespect, especially in a church still figuring out how to grow together. These instructions aimed to encourage a culture of honor, love, and unity-things that were essential in a time of persecution and spiritual opposition.
His instruction to “live in peace” wasn’t just about avoiding arguments. It was about creating a community that stood strong together in faith, with hearts knit in love.
Theological Implications
This verse shows that relationships in the church matter deeply to God. The way we treat one another-and especially the way we treat spiritual leaders-reflects what we believe about God’s design for the church.
It also teaches that love should guide our relationships, including how we respond to authority. True honor isn’t forced or formal-it flows from hearts that understand the value of godly leadership and want to support those who are faithfully serving.
The call to peace is theological too. God is a God of peace, and His people are called to reflect that peace in how they relate to one another.
Literary Analysis
This verse has two short but strong sentences. The first-“Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work”-is packed with meaning. The phrase “highest regard” implies more than just polite respect. It means to value deeply. And Paul adds “in love,” showing that this is not cold admiration, but warm, relational care.
The second sentence-“Live in peace with each other”-is a command directed to the whole church. It stands on its own, simple and clear, but it’s closely connected to the first. When people are loving and respectful toward leadership, and when everyone is pursuing peace, the church becomes what God intends: a unified body of believers.
Biblical Cross-References
- Romans 12:18 – “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
- Hebrews 13:17 – “Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority… so that their work will be a joy, not a burden.”
- Philippians 2:3 – “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.”
- Colossians 3:14–15 – “And over all these virtues put on love… let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.”
- John 13:34–35 – “Love one another. As I have loved you… By this everyone will know that you are my disciples.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse is just as relevant now as it was in the early church. In today’s world, people often view authority with suspicion or see leaders as distant or impersonal. But in the church, leadership should look different-and so should our response to it.
If you’re part of a church, this verse calls you to recognize the weight your leaders carry and to honor them with love and support. This doesn’t mean putting them on a pedestal, but it does mean encouraging them, praying for them, and working for unity.
And Paul’s words, “Live in peace with each other,” apply to every relationship in the church-between friends, families, and even people who disagree. We are called to be peacemakers, not grumblers or gossipers. Peace isn’t just avoiding conflict-it’s creating a culture of kindness, patience, and grace.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is not only personal-it’s also relational. He doesn’t just love individuals; He cares deeply about how His people treat one another. That’s why He gives clear instructions about respect, love, and peace within the church.
By telling us to honor and love our leaders and live in peace with each other, God is creating an environment where His love can flourish. He knows that when His people love well, the world sees a glimpse of who He is.
God’s love also provides the foundation for this kind of peace. We can pursue peace because He has made peace with us through Christ.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus modeled servant leadership better than anyone. He led with truth, but also with humility and love. In Matthew 20:28, He said He came “not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” That same spirit should be in every leader-and every follower who honors them.
Jesus also prayed for unity among His followers. In John 17:21, He prayed “that all of them may be one,” just as He and the Father are one. Living in peace with each other reflects the unity Jesus prayed for-and makes the church a powerful witness to the world.
Through His death and resurrection, Jesus made peace between God and people. Now, He calls His followers to reflect that same peace in how they live together.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How do you show appreciation and love for those who lead and serve in your church?
- Are there ways you can help promote peace in your church or Christian community?
- What does it look like to “hold someone in the highest regard in love” in daily life?
- How do love and peace reflect the heart of Christ in your relationships?
- Is there someone in your church you need to encourage, thank, or reconcile with?