The relationship between the church's spiritual leaders and its members might have been tense. The author encourages members to listen to and trust their leaders.
The Greek word for obey can also mean follow, place confidence in, or be persuaded by.
Christian leaders care for people's souls (Acts 20:28–31; 1 Peter 5:1–4), which is a serious responsibility. It makes them accountable to God (James 3:1).
The word grief could also mean groaning. It refers to emotional burden and stress. Leaders who are stressed and burdened by a difficult church are less able to help and lead the church effectively.