We all need to give RESPECT when living in community and especially in a biblical community. When one does give respect people start to complain of leadership, blame others, get cocky, revolt from traditions, worry about the future, lack vigilance, and become complacent. Our church and your church must RESPECT God's plan to establish you in the middle of suffering, difficulties, and testing. We must all show gracious RESPECT in order to endure suffering together

Leadership must show gracious RESPECT to others. Peter identified with the other elders in Asia Minor. He was a fellow elder and a partaker of suffering and looked forward to the glory of Christ. Leaders can become cynical because they are the first to experience suffering in a community. This is why we see Paul appointing a plurality of elders in churches because he knew that they needed the support of each other as they were faithful to witness of Christ and his sufferings. These leaders must not be like the Shepards in the Old Testament that refused to feed the sheep (Ezek. 34:1-10). Peter knew that his responsibility as an elder was to diligently respect others in order to feed the sheep (see John 21:15-19). elder bishop and, Pastor were the same office but represented the different functions that they were responsible for if they were to properly shepherd the flock of God. The 3 negative statements on how one carries out the responsibility of an elder, pastor, and bishop represent ways that Elders/pastors/bishops can abuse and not RESPECT the people under their care.

The Younger must show gracious RESPECT their elders in the church as well. They must be in submission to the constituted authority (under Christ) of the church and not independent. This command was to ensure that the tendency of younger men and women to rebel against authority was prevented. Just as there are responsibilities the we all have and authorities that we must submit to in our family (i.e. husbands, wives, children), RESPECT is given when we are humbled before God. RESPECT is a must in the husband and wife relationship, Children and parent relationship, and especially in an elder led congregational church government. Nothing kills a church faster than a group of people that don't respect others within their membership.

Fellowship also requires gracious RESPECT. When there is no respect there is no "doing the will of God together." Fellowship build healthy relationships which depend on other respecting others. Fellowship is a primary need God-centered churches because it is a fuel for the worship of God.

Everyone should also show gracious RESPECT everyone else. We do this by humbling ourselves before the mighty sovereign hand of God. There will be a day of exaltation for Christians, but for now we live in the day of humiliation where we must not worry about the future. Worry" derives its strength from pride. Worry focuses on our strength instead of God's strength. In affliction, our trials either drive us into the arms of God or severs one from God. Worry is a key factor in the direction ones life take during this time of affliction. It is in God strength you will endure. You calling is sure not because of the strength of your own faith but because God is the one who preserves your faith. RESPECT should be given to everyone because everyone is dependent on God and each other. The devil is roaming around like a roaring lion because many Christians are very prideful. Humility cuts all the power from the Devil because all he has is deception. God is the true ruler and the one we must RESPECT. We must be alert to the schemes of the devil, but not worry or fear that he can overcome God. God wins!!

Peter concludes by showing gracious RESPECT for other believers worldwide. Silvanus and Mark are examples of those the Peter nurtured and depended upon. We are to show Gracious RESPECT for God is the Lord of Salvation. The church also greets the readers of this letter. Experience true RESPECT today by living in a church that humbles themselves before god, or if You Want gracious RESPECT then come to Christ in humility knowing that only through his death and resurrection can you sins be forgiven.