1Pe 5:1-4  "So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly;  not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory." 


 I am an eyewitness to His suffering and risen glory, which I know I will also be included. As a leader, tutored under the master hand of Jesus, I want you to know leading like Christ is not something you grind through, your heart has to be motivated in love to others. If you lead in order to get rich or recognized, that won't bear any fruit in you or through you. As an example become a servant, leading as Christ led is putting every one else first and Christ at the front. Leading is not domineering control, that becomes a witness of your sin- wanting to play God!
In the same way if you are younger, this means submission to them as leaders in Christ. All of you, leaders, husbands, wives and children; before you begin the day [just like putting on clothes] surround your head and heart with humility. Love is demonstrated in humility. Pride is the way to be stopped in your tracks, God will oppose you. How do you think you will get past the opposition of the sovereign creator. 


1Pe 5:5  "Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." 

Humility is the characteristic of believing that gives us the ability to admit our needs, weaknesses, and limitations so that we can submit to the power of God in our life and receive our strength from Him and through others. It is not powerlessness; it knows where the power comes from. Humility is the beginning of faith that love works in us as we look outside of ourselves to I AM. Humility involves being able to give to others but also to receive from others as we keep our eyes fixed on I AM and thereby become more like Him in love. The key characteristic of humility is mercifulness. The loss of humility brings about rebelliousness.

You can't receive a thing from God without getting rid of your prideful attitude. Receiving involves accepting and an admission of need. So place all your needs before Him and He will lift you up and provide for you. He cares for you, He is Absolute Love.


1Pe 5:6, 7  "Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you." 


Keep an eye out with a clear head, because Satan is "the accuser, the liar and the thief" He wants to destroy your faith. Firm up your faith and stand against his assaults, you are not alone, there are lots of believers to stand with you. The things you suffer under Satan's attacks will be only momentary, God's love is eternal. His grace will restore and confirm your love and strengthen your love establishing your true self as His child. 
His power and rule are forever, thankfully!


1Pe 5:8-11  "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.  And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.  To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen." 


I wrote this to you through my faithful brother, so you could know the truth. Stand firm upon the truth. Give a loving greeting to one another, we all send our love to you. Praying for your peace in Christ. 


1Pe 5:12 - 14 "By Silvanus, a faithful brother as I regard him, I have written briefly to you, exhorting and declaring that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it. She who is at Babylon, who is likewise chosen, sends you greetings, and so does Mark, my son.  Greet one another with the kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ."