Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God.

Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example. And when the Great Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of never-ending glory and honor.

1 Peter 5:2-4

The people in your life are no accident. They are part of your story that God wrote when He dreamed you up before time began, before He created you, before He called you. You are also part of the stories of everyone in your life—past, present, and future. Every day, you influence those around you through your heart, your words, and your actions. And whether you like it or not, or care to admit it, the people around you also influence you. 

Jesus expects us to care for each other in community. He commanded Peter, who started His Church and wrote these words, to take care of His sheep (John 21:16). God’s “flock” is the believers. And just as God loves and takes care of us, we are to love and care for others. We are to teach and guide new believers in their faith, and also look to older believers to guide us with their wisdom and model for us true faithfulness. (Frankly, we all need more than one!) 

So who is “shepherding” you well? Which “sheep” have been “entrusted to you”? Today, look for ways to shepherd those around you and connect with those who lead you. In order to be a good shepherd (John 10:11), you must be connected to the “Great Shepherd”! (Hebrews 13:20) You can only effectively lead others by example when you look a lot more like Jesus—when you love, not when you dictate and demand. And when you look like Jesus, they will follow! Lead well! You are loved!