From the coming Day of the Lord (5:1-2) to the distinction between the unbeliever (5:3) and the believer (5:4-11), we will arrive at the closing exhortations of this letter. This section builds upon the commands that we comfort and edify one another. This is to be practiced by everyone in the church. This includes the people and the leaders. The primary command is stated at the end of verse 13. “Be at peace among yourselves.” The differences of roles and responsibilities between the people and the leaders is not to sever the union we share with God and each other. The Apostle Paul pleads with the Thessalonian church to respect their leaders (5:12a). Respect is both a command and outflow of faith and love. The position of church leaders is explained with the descriptions of labor and work. The church leader serves the Lord by serving the Lord’s people. Their labor and work are to be characterized by a spiritual concern and care for those they are serving. Verse 13 transitions to the people of the church, instructing them to give deliberate consideration of their leaders and to extend and express God’s love to them. How is this measure of love practiced and applied in the life of Christ’s church? When we are at peace among ourselves. This is God’s peace ruling over His church, both in His people and His leaders. May we practice and apply this vital trait of peace among ourselves for the glory of God.