DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- FAITH, LOVE, AND HOPE

DAD'S RAMBLINGS – FAITH, LOVE, AND HOPE

"We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father..." (I Thessalonians 1:2-3)

When the Apostle Paul thought about the church at Thessalonica, three things popped into his mind: Faith, Love, and Hope. These were identifying characteristics of these believers.

First was the "work of faith." Faith and works go together. Often we say that we are saved by faith and not by works. And that is true. But faith produces works. As James said, "Faith without works is dead" (James 2:20). True faith is more than just belief – which does not require any action. Faith is an active noun, and will be demonstrated by the actions that follow it.

Next is the "labor of love." The Greek word for labor different than the "work of faith." It is more intense. The basic meaning is "to beat one's breast with sorrow" in the face of trouble and hardship. It is the type of labor that only love would produce. I have heard people say, "You couldn't pay me to do this!" We will do things for love that we would not ordinarily do. It is indeed a labor of love.

The next is the "patience of hope." Enduring faith and love for Christ and His kingdom is motivated by the hope of eternal life. Seeing the end of the story motivates us to keep trusting. Patience of hope keeps us going when we don't see any fruit of our work of faith and labor of love.

A life grounded in faith, love and hope will endure to the end. As Jesus said, "He who endures to the end will be saved" (Matthew 10:22).

Love, Dad