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RECOGNITION AND RESPECT


Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. (‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5‬:‭12-13‬ NIV)

Democracy gives freedom and power to everyone. We are free to speak up and free to criticize our leaders. Paul gives us some classic principles that will enrich and strengthen the democratic system:  recognition (acknowledgement)  and respect.

Leaders are not only those on structural leadership. Recognize and acknowledge those who have been working hard for you, care for you, and provide spiritual guidance for the community. 

Give respect to where respect is due. By respecting leaders we will listen and support their leadership,  and seek to live in harmony with each other.

Apply this not only within the Christian community. As we will have new leaders for our country today,  although they are yet to prove their leadership to the nation, I pray that we will consider these principles of recognition and respect before we open our mouth and move our hands to produce criticism that will create disharmony in our community or nation! (plt220714)

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