Paul was so kind in the introductions of his letters. Here he tells the Thessalonian believers about how he gave thanks for them, mentioned them by name in his prayers, and remembered without ceasing certain aspects of the church.
He remembered their work of faith
He remembered labour of love
He remembered their patience of hope.
Faith, love, and hope are another one of the great triumvirates of godly living.
First of all we note their work of faith. That’s important because true faith produces work just like James told us and just like Paul wrote in the book of Ephesians that when we are saved by faith we are also ordained to do good work. Faith and works go hand in hand.
Then they had a labour of love. Love is not in words alone but it is seen in deeds and in truth.
The they had a patience based on hope, or confidence that God is working and that He is control and He will bring His word to pass.
The word of God is jam-packed with Bible truths about what our daily lives reflect. Do we, you and me, live lives that reflect work that proves our faith. Is our love more than just an occasional ‘I love you?’ Are we waiting patiently on God because of the hope that we have in Him.
Are we the examples Paul talks about just a couple of verss later? Are these the kind of things that peopel remember about us?
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