S. 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3
2 We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. 3 We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
O. Paul is thankful for the Thessalonians and for the evidence of faith, hope and love (also mentioned in 1 Cor. 13). Because of faith, they produced and accomplished much. They believed and they were productive. Their work was not only produced by their faith but prompted by love. Because of the Love of Christ, they were moved to act in faith. Elsewhere Paul talks about the motivating power of Christ’s love (constraining) - 2 Cor. 5:14-21. Finally they endured, they were able to keep going because of their hope in the Lord - the Hope of His return, of going to be with Him, and the Hope of being with Him.
A. This passage motivates mt to move my faith forward and “up” it a notch (If I can put it that way). Because of Christ’s love I desire to live by faith and be as productive as I can while I share my great hope in the Lord.
P. Thank you Father for this word and for again the reminder of the great workings of faith, hope and love.
