Scripture to Read: 1 Thessalonians 1:3
Today we continue our journey through 1 Thessalonians 1:3, and our focus is on our “labor of love.” God has used two terms here in 1 Thessalonians 1:3 “work” and “labor” so that we realize that living in obedience to Him is not easy. The terms “work” and “labor” remind us that living out our faith and loving others is an act of our will. We must passionately pursue our Lord and His Word if we’re going to be able to fulfill His will. Our “labor of love” tells us that loving others is going to be hard at times. If loving others did come easy, then God would not have had to command us to love each other. Our Lord Jesus Christ told us in Matthew 22:37-39 that the two greatest commandments are these, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. ’38 This is the great and foremost commandment. 39 The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’” So, we are commanded to love God and love others. To show this love for God and others comes through our words, and also our actions. Words alone are NOT enough to show our love for God and others. We must serve others to show them we love them. Loving others is going to cost us time, talents, money, and even call us out of our comfort zone. Let it be said of us that people remember us by our “labor of love.”
Challenge & Application
1. What did God teach you today about how to love Him and love others?
2. Who will you share Christ with this week as a part of your labor of love?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!