While studying Paul’s epistles in recent months, I have found it refreshing to read of his love for the early church and his commitment to instructing and encouraging God’s people in the faith. As a pastor’s wife, I have sometimes wondered what someone who has journeyed ahead of me in the Christian life might say to rekindle my love for Jesus.
What would an early church leader have written to encourage the pastor’s wife today? Here is what I imagine that letter would read like.
To Every Pastor’s Wife
My Dear Sister in Christ,
I pray these words comfort you and help you remember God’s love and presence as you journey with Jesus in your unique calling. I write to you from a heart filled with love and prayers. As a fellow sojourner in Christ’s calling, I eagerly desire to share the grace of God that he has so richly poured into my heart.
Stepping into a life of service and leadership within the church puts you on the threshold of a beautiful and challenging journey. Do not grow weary in the days ahead. Take courage and place your affection on Christ because he loves his Bride, the church. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you a greater love for the people you serve because they all bear the image of God.
And as our brother, Paul, wrote in his letter to the Colossians, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ” (Col. 3:23-24). Your love for your husband and family, care for the church, and dedication to the Lord’s work do not go unnoticed. Your labour in the Lord is not in vain (1 Cor. 15:58).
Renew Your Strength in Christ by Resting in His Presence
As one who has lived through many seasons of joy and hardship, I understand the weight of responsibilities that rest on your shoulders as a pastor’s wife. These responsibilities can overwhelm us and make us feel insignificant. Moments of inadequacy tempt us to lose sight of the tenderness of God’s love for us.
Therefore, set aside moments in your day to be with the Lord. Allow his peace to wash over you and to fill you with contentment. Ask the Holy Spirit to fill your heart with his joy and peace and to make you a non-anxious presence to those around you.
Whether during a quiet walk in the park, in the stillness of your home, or even in the bustling noise of daily life, make space for the joy of God’s presence to permeate your heart. As you bask in his nearness, you reignite your affection for Jesus and renew your strength for the day ahead.
Nurture a Heart of Gratitude That Deepens Your Love for Christ
One of the most impactful disciplines for you to cultivate is a heart brimming with gratitude. Begin each day thanking our Saviour. Take time to reflect on the cross of Christ. We stir our affection for Jesus when we reflect on God’s goodness toward us.
Acknowledge the countless ways God has shown his faithfulness in your life. Like the church in Thessalonica, we must remind ourselves to “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thess. 5:16-18).
The profound truth of God’s redeeming love is captivating. The gospel has the power to transform not only the lives of others but also our own. If you tend to wander, forget, or grow callous toward the gospel, invite the Holy Spirit to open your heart to see, feel, and trust in God’s love again.
When you make gratitude the melody of your heart, you will find that your love for Jesus deepens.
Give Your Burdens to Jesus and Enjoy His Rest
I want to remind you to surrender your burdens to the Lord, which is a profound act of faith. When you give up control and rest in God’s presence, you revive your affection for Jesus.
In Matthew 11:28, Jesus tenderly invites us, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Lay down the weight of your worries, fears, and doubts at the feet of Jesus and embrace the rest he offers.
I also encourage you to seek out and cherish a community of support. Pursue a safe place to share your joys and sorrows, to receive encouragement, and to build up others. Lean on the wisdom and encouragement of fellow sisters in Christ.
In closing, may the Lord continue to affirm, encourage, and renew your affection for him. May he fill your heart with his steadfast love and grace. Find peace during uncertainty, joy through trials, and strength amid weakness. Embrace each moment with a heart that overflows with love for our precious Saviour. Remember that he walks beside you and will guide and sustain you through everything.
Finish Well,
A Fellow Sojourner
