“We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labour prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thessalonians 1:2-3)

Faith, hope and love are powerful virtues. Writing to the Corinthians about the excellence of love, Paul inspired of the Holy Spirit penned these words: “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love.” Prophecies can cease, tongues can be stilled, or even knowledge can pass away (1 Corinthians 13:8-9), yet the expressions of faith, hope and love must remain in our lives.

So, with reference to the opening verse, the Holy Spirit starts by stating that there’s a work that accompanies faith. “Your work produced by faith.” James exhorting the believers also said: “I will show you faith by my works as proof that I believe” (James 2:18). Secondly, the Holy Spirit says there’s a labour which proceeds out from love. “Your labour prompted by love.” Love motivates and labours to see fruit in the lives of many. Hebrews 6:10 even says God remembers “your work and labour of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.” Thirdly, the Holy Spirit says there’s an endurance that proceeds from hope. This hope is unrelenting. Romans 5:5 does say: “And this hope is not a disappointing fantasy…” It was in this hope that Abraham persevered and saw God’s promise come to pass! Hallelujah!

Father, teach us to grow in these virtues daily; faith that works, love that labours and hope that is relentless in our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

#goodmorning

BeEncouraged❤ Freely Received. Freely Give