A Trifecta

This morning we continue with our look at Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians.  I mentioned yesterday that Paul spent a brief amount of time there before he was run out of town; but being run out of town didn’t diminish Paul’s love and concern for the Thessalonian believers. In verse 3 we read this:  “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.”   Three things are mentioned, “work of faith, labor of love and patience of hope”.  I’d like to ask each of us to evaluate our lives against this “trifecta”.  First, the work of faith.  We know that faith is not a “work”; it’s a belief.  But we also know that genuine faith leads to works…good attitudes and actions that the Holy Spirit produces in and through the life of the believer.  Faith without works is actually not real or true faith.  If you have faith, you will see Christ as Lord and desire to work to follow Him.  Second, the labor of love.  This is a popular phrase in our culture.  Loving others is not always easy.  It takes effort and labor.  But love compels us to labor on behalf of others.  I can’t say that I love you if I’m unwilling to help you.  Third, “patience of hope”.  This patience is very important for the believer in Jesus. We have amazing hope, hope that is promised to us because of our faith in Jesus Christ.  This hope should produce patience in us and vice versa. We know that all things will be made new and right in the end.  We have hope that will bring about patience to navigate the people and purpose of this life.  How do these three phrases resonate with you this morning?  The Thessalonians “had them” and so can you.  If I can help, let me know.

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