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Church leaders guide us spiritually, teaching us God's word and encouraging us in our faith. Their work is difficult because they have the assignment to care for the souls of people. They are the doctors of the soul. 
The doctor of the body receives respect for his work. The doctor of the soul should receive even more respect for his work. 
As the doctor of the body receives respect from his patients for taking care of them and saving their lives, so also the doctor of the soul should receive respect from his patients for taking care of their souls and saving them from eternal condemnation. 
While the care of the doctor of the body has only temporary effects and consequences, the care of the doctor of the soul has eternal effects and consequences.

Christians are expected to respect their leaders, not because they are respectable. They are to respect them, not because they have personalities similar to theirs. They are to respect them not because of their office. They are to respect them not because of their academic qualifications and titles. Christians ought to respect their Christians leaders because they are laboring in the Lord, preaching the gospel to them (2:9), taking care of their souls through patient discipleship, and admonishing them when necessary.

What are some ways a person can show respect to his or her spiritual leader? You can pray for them. You can express gratitude to them for the gospel advancing work they are doing in your church and community. You can also show them love in any godly way you know.

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