Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father.
—1 Thessalonians 1:3 (KJV)
In a world that falls for facades and seems to give more credit for intentions than actions, don't you find it refreshing that Paul expects — and gives thanks — that the Thessalonian disciples' faith, hope, and love will naturally produce certain actions:
These new Christians were excelling in the enduring three virtues of discipleship (1 Corinthians 13:13), and these virtues were leading to their work, labor, and endurance!
Mighty God of deliverance, I want to honor you with a life of observable faith, hope, and love. Please revive and refresh me with your Holy Spirit so that my life will be full of the actions that your grace and character inspire. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
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—1 Thessalonians 1:3 (KJV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
In a world that falls for facades and seems to give more credit for intentions than actions, don't you find it refreshing that Paul expects — and gives thanks — that the Thessalonian disciples' faith, hope, and love will naturally produce certain actions:
- Faith produces work.
- Love prompts labor.
- Hope inspires endurance.
These new Christians were excelling in the enduring three virtues of discipleship (1 Corinthians 13:13), and these virtues were leading to their work, labor, and endurance!
My Prayer...
Mighty God of deliverance, I want to honor you with a life of observable faith, hope, and love. Please revive and refresh me with your Holy Spirit so that my life will be full of the actions that your grace and character inspire. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
Continue reading...