Sermon- "God’s Man, Your Pastor: Love Him and Be Blessed" (Danny Bawibikthawng)

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God’s Man, Your Pastor: Love Him and Be Blessed

( Jer. 3:15; 1 Thess 5:12–13; 2 Kings 4)

(Danny Bawibikthawng)


1. God’s Gift of Shepherds


Jeremiah 3:15 declares, “Then I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding.” Pastors are not chosen by human hands but by God Himself. They are gifts from the Lord to guide, teach, and care for His people.

 

In many immigrant congregations today, pastors serve far beyond the pulpit. They pray, preach, translate documents, take members to hospitals and immigration offices, enroll children in school, and help families find jobs and housing. They read members’ letters, fill out immigration forms, and attend to emergencies at every hour. Yet many receive very limited financial support from the church, often not enough to provide for their own families, and in many cases the church does not allow them to work outside to supplement their income.

 

Still, these pastors labor faithfully, carrying both spiritual and emotional burdens for their people. They shepherd congregations who are still learning to adapt to a new land, culture, and language. Many serve without complaint, trusting that God sees their hidden sacrifices.


God reminds His people that His shepherds deserve honor and love. When the church supports its pastor, it is not merely rewarding a man; it is honoring God’s appointment. The Apostle Paul wrote, “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 Thess. 5:12–13).

 

To love and respect your pastor is to obey God’s Word. To neglect or criticize him is to resist the Lord’s will for the church. Those who honor God’s servants will themselves be honored by God.

 

2. The Example of the Shunammite Woman (2 Kings 4)

 

The Shunammite woman loved God’s servant Elisha and dedicated part of her life to caring for him. Interestingly, the Bible never tells us that Elisha had done anything for her before she acted. She loved him not because he blessed her first, but because she feared and honored the God whom Elisha served. Out of reverence for God, she built a room for the prophet, provided meals, and met his needs.

 

This woman shows us that genuine love for God overflows into love for God’s servants. As Jesus said, “Whoever receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward” (Matt. 10:41).

 

If we truly fear the Lord we worship, we will also love and care for those whom He has called to lead and shepherd us, even when they appear weak, imperfect, or unable to give us anything in return.

 

3. Seeing and Meeting the Needs of God’s Servants

 

The Shunammite woman saw Elisha’s need before he ever asked. Many church members today, however, do not see the needs of their pastors. They expect the pastor to preach, pray, visit, counsel, translate documents, drive members to hospitals, help them find jobs, enroll children in school, read their mail, and fill out immigration forms, often for little or no compensation.


Most pastors in immigrant churches work tirelessly for their people, often with limited financial and emotional support. They carry heavy responsibilities, serve countless needs, and give more of themselves than most people ever see. Yet many continue to labor faithfully, trusting that God will provide for them as they serve His flock. As Pastor Rick Warren writes, “Those who serve God’s people deserve both respect and support, because spiritual work is still real work” (Rick Warren, The Purpose Driven Church, 1995).

 

Can you see your pastor as God’s servant, not simply as an employee? Do you notice his burdens? Do you pray for him? Have you ever encouraged him with words of appreciation?

 

A congregation that recognizes and supports its pastor will experience blessings beyond measure. The Shunammite woman’s story reminds us that hospitality and generosity toward God’s servants open doors for divine favor.

 

4. The Blessing of Caring for God’s Servants

 

God rewarded the Shunammite woman abundantly. Though she never asked for anything, God gave her what she lacked, a son, and later, through Elisha, that same son was raised from the dead (2 Kings 4:8–37).

 

Those who bless God’s servants never lose their reward. The Apostle Paul taught, “The Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel” (1 Cor. 9:14). Supporting our pastors is not charity; it is obedience to God’s command and an invitation for His blessing.

 

As T. D. Jakes once said, “You cannot receive a prophet’s blessing while dishonoring the prophet God sent to your house”(T. D. Jakes, Instinct: The Power to Unleash Your Inborn Drive, 2014).

 

5. Giving in Times of Difficulty

 

When the Shunammite woman cared for Elisha, Israel was in a time of hardship. Yet she still chose generosity. Likewise, our giving in times of scarcity reveals our trust in God’s provision. Even when we struggle to pay our own bills, giving to God’s work and helping our pastors is a step of faith.

 

John MacArthur notes, “True giving is measured not by what is left over, but by what is given out of faith and love for God” (John MacArthur, The MacArthur New Testament Commentary: 2 Corinthians, 2003).

 

We must remember that pastors who struggle financially are not abandoned by God. Rather, God allows those needs to awaken His people to compassion and obedience. Sometimes, God places a pastor’s need before us because He wants to bless us through our response.

 

6. The Danger of Dishonoring God’s Servants

 

Scripture also warns us against mocking or mistreating God’s servants. When the young men of Bethel mocked Elisha, calling him “baldhead,” forty two of them were struck down by wild beasts (2 Kings 2:23–25). Their disrespect revealed hearts that did not fear God. Dr. Elizabeth Mitchell explains that these were not toddlers but young people old enough to know right from wrong. This is a reminder that dishonoring God’s people is never a small matter.

 

In the book of Esther, Haman’s hatred toward Mordecai, a servant of God, led to his own destruction (Esth. 3–7). In Acts 5, Ananias and Sapphira died because they lied to Peter and the apostles who were filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 5:1–11).

 

When we gossip about our pastors, criticize their shortcomings, or withhold our support, we grieve the heart of God and invite trouble into our own lives.

 

7. Jesus’ Example and the Blessing of Supporters


Even our Lord Jesus, though divine, welcomed people who loved and supported Him in His ministry. Mary, Martha, and Lazarus opened their home to Him, provided food and friendship, and believed in Him in times of loss and pain (John 11).

 

When their brother died, Jesus came not only as a friend but as the resurrection and the life. Their love and faith were rewarded with a miracle. Likewise, those who faithfully support God’s servants today will experience divine favor and spiritual renewal in their homes and churches.

 

8. Bless Those Whom God Has Chosen

 

God told Abraham, “I will bless those who bless you” (Gen. 12:3). Paul later said that believers share in Abraham’s blessing through faith in Christ (Gal. 3:14). Therefore, those who love, honor, and support their pastors are participating in God’s promise of blessing.

 

Love your pastor. Pray for him. Meet his needs when you can. Speak well of him. Encourage his family. When you do, you are not merely helping a man; you are honoring the God who sent him.

 

As A. W. Tozer wrote, “The man who would truly know God must give time to Him, and the people who would know God must give honor to those He sends” (A. W. Tozer, The Pursuit of God, 1948).

 

Conclusion: Loving God by Loving His Servants

 

Loving and supporting your pastor is not optional. It is an expression of your relationship with 

God. A congregation that fears and loves the Lord will not neglect to love and support His servants.

 

The Shunammite woman did not know that her kindness would one day save her son. In the same way, your love and generosity toward God’s servants may open doors for blessings you never imagined.

 

So, love your pastor. Pray for him. Defend him when others criticize. Provide for him when he is in need. As you do, the God who sent him will bless you, your family, and your church beyond measure.

  

Blessed Pastor Appreciation Month!

May the Lord bless all the people who love, support, and pray for pastors.

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