Faith, Hope and Love
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “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.” 1 Thessalonians 1:3 NIV
When we think of faith, hope and love we often think of the last verse of 1 Corinthians 13. “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” (1 Corinthians 13:13 NIV) But as Paul brings these characteristics into focus in his letter to the Thessalonians, we see them taking on a practical application. It is easy to look poetically at these virtues, but faith, hope and love impact our lives. They can serve as a motivation and an inspiration to our Christian life.
Paul first of all commends these believers on their work that was produced by their faith. When that comes into focus we see that faith is more than feelings, it spurs us on to productivity. I am reminded of Paul’s words to the Corinthians, “…we hope that your faith will grow so that the boundaries of our work among you will be extended.” (2 Corinthians 10:15 NLT) Faith is the forerunner for a commitment to the work we do for Christ.
Paul then points to their labor prompted by love. If faith is the motivation, then love is the sustaining factor in our work for the Lord. It is what enables us to “keep on keeping on” regardless of the results or the trials or difficulties that may be faced. Faith is built when the results are encouraging. We are willing to believe God for more. But love is what sustains, and allow us to commit to the task at hand.
Finally Paul points to their “endurance inspired by hope.” As the words of the old hymn remind us, “it will be worth it all when we see Jesus…” Love keeps us working, hope gives us endurance knowing that there is a reward that is ahead for those who are faithful to the Lord.
There are many areas of our Christian life where we need faith, hope and love. But in his opening commendation of the believers in Thessalonica, we see Paul pointing to these virtues as being at the heart of their work for the Lord.
Prayer for today… Lord, may all that we do for You find us reflecting faith, hope and love. Thank You for the opportunity to serve the purposes of Your kingdom with commitment and endurance.