I Thessalonians 1:3 “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;”
Just what is our “Lord Jesus Christ” worth to us; maybe some “work” or maybe some “patience” along the way? But, what about “labour”? In todays English, we often use “work” and “labour” (labor) synonymously; but, they are not the same. To “work” is to expend energy to accomplish a desired outcome. To “labour” is to expend energy in extreme suffering and pain and disadvantage and peril to accomplish a desired outcome. The motivation that compels the Children of God to “labour” in faithful service to their “Lord” is “love”! Paul associates “labour and travail” (I Thessalonians 2:9); the same words that are used to describe anguish that a mother endures as she is giving birth to her precious child. I cannot imagine the joy of being able to do something, anything directly for my Beloved Lord to show my thankful “love” to Him. But, we cannot now, but He has told us, “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me” (Matthew 25:40) and “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” (John 14:15). So, we apply the “labour of love” to our Lord’s Church and people in this present life, to live in obedience to His Holy Word, to be faithful to His Doctrine, and to live as good and moral citizens. We don’t do these things only when they are easy or convenient or fun; we “take” “up” our “cross” (“labour”) to “follow” and serve our Lord (Matthew 16:24). That means, when our bodies are hurting, we do not feel well, we do not have everything to make us comfortable, we are very tired, we have not had enough rest or sleep, etc. – yet out of a deep and sincere “love” for our “Lord” we keep going hour after hour, day after day, and year after year. The Apostles tells us that “God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.” (Hebrews 6:10). And the Lord Himself sent this message to the Church at Ephesus, “I know thy works, and thy labour” (Revelation 2:2). So, when we are working and laboring, sometimes we can get so weary that we begin to think that we can go no further, all our strength and ability is gone, and all hope is lost; just remember, our “Lord” knows what we are going through! Just remember to “stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD” (Exodus 14:13) and remember our Lord’s words, “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” (II Corinthians 12:9). There will come a moment when we will feel the Holy Spirit, like a pair of mighty loving arms gently raising us to our feet again!