In these same verses 15-17, I also surmise the job description for the pastors of our churches (and all the church members as well). Here is the guide for those with the smaller flocks and even as parents of our own small flock. And what is a healthy church based on these verses?
A healthy church must provide proper spiritual food, proper teaching for the young, and the immature in Christ.
A healthy church must take care of the broken, help the hurting and the troubled ones in the flock. Clearly this includes the widows, the abandoned ones, and ministry within the church to those broken by sin, by denial, for healing and growth. And, that sometimes means my own person as well. I too must accept help, even seek it, when I am in those places of brokenness. And when I am not there, I must be ready to share what I can, when and where I can, as the Lord so leads me. So I must take care of the broke, I must help the hurting and the troubled one’s that the Lord has put in my flock, whether my position is that of a leader, a pastor, a teacher, a parent or simply a neighbor or a customer.
A healthy church must feed its sheep, teach the mature ones as well. No one has learned it all. We must continue to grow and share. To love.
How am I doing in this? Am I an active part in my church in this process of love for Jesus’ sake? We love, because He first loved us. Peters restoration is our restoration that awaits us when we ask the one important question that overcomes our denial of Jesus.
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- Do you love Me? (Do I love Jesus?)
- Then feed my lambs…take care of my sheep… feed my sheep
- Lord, I love You. Remind me this day to feed your lambs and care for your sheep and feed your sheep. Let my eyes open to those You have placed me among that Your love will make my heart tender towards those You love.