Home Pastors Articles for Pastors 3 Things Pastors (and Their Wives) Should Say Publicly More Often

3 Things Pastors (and Their Wives) Should Say Publicly More Often

3. I love you.

I also want to make sure you know that I love you. Because, really, it’s not about me.

I’m not saying that ministry life is always sweetness and light. (And I think I’ve been serving you long enough not to be accused of hiding behind rose-colored shades.) I’m not unwilling to talk about the sacrifices, but I’d rather tell you how precious you are.

You are my family.

You are my neighbor.

You are my friends.

And a friend does not loudly announce the high cost of groceries when she invites you over for lunch. A friend does not keep an accounting of hours spent on the phone, sitting in hospital waiting rooms and driving to weddings. A friend does not complain when her very-human friends are sometimes ignorant, weak and needy. (Guess what? Sometimes I am, too.)

Instead, a friend cultivates love.

A friend lavishes hugs and smiles.

A friend delights in the privilege of mutual friendship with those who are Christ’s friends.

My church, please don’t get the wrong idea. The years that I have served you seem like but a few days.

I love you.