The term “willingly” receives colour from the additional words “as God would have you.” The point is that an elder could give leadership in trying times for very wrong motives or in a very unhelpful manner—and so the shepherding won’t look like, or feel like, God’s/Christ’s kind of shepherding. Since this is God’s flock, and Jesus Christ is the chief Shepherd and Overseer (1 Peter 2:25; 1 Peter 5:4), any shepherd’s style of shepherding must reflect Jesus’ manner. Jesus willingly served his people, placing himself in the path of God’s wrath on sinners so as to save the sheep—an action that cost him his life. This kind of shepherding clearly contrasts with the style of leadership that finite elders might be inclined to give.
2 shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly;