April 09th, 2020

Our Labor Of Love 
“We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; remembering without ceasing your work of faith and labor of love…” - 1 Thes 1:2-3
 
 Paul praised the Thessalonica Church for their work of faith that was fully revealed in their labor of love. Though heavily persecuted and experiencing great hardships they chose to make an earthly and heavenly difference in the lives of those around them.  All that were within their earthly reach vividly experienced their vibrant faith and labor of Love.  Paul stated that in every place they went their faith unto God was evidenced.  They chose to make a difference.
 
Many times our lives have been deeply touched because someone chose to make a difference, to care enough to softly say, “I love you”. Someone gave a caring look, a beautiful smile, an encouraging word or the presenting of a gift of love and our day became brighter. When this labor of love continues into the spiritual realm, people are eternally touched and changed for the glory of God. 
 
All of us desperately need to give and receive a fresh consistent labor of love. To experience heartfelt love that transcends pride, anger, and bashfulness and extends to everyone we come into contact with.  A sincere love that earnestly points those around us to the God we serve. That lifts them above the cares of the world and places them in the gracious arms of God. A labor of love that relentlessly drives the hurt, suffering, and pain from them, while passionately pursuing their soul for God.    We, just as the Thessalonica Church, can make a difference!
 
We can, if we care enough. If the souls of men are important enough to lay aside our differences, our excuses, our laziness. If we by faith in our wonderful God will initiate and continue our work of faith and labor of love, He has promised to bless and strengthen it.
 
 We can make a difference here and in eternity and one day hear our Savior say, “I remember without ceasing your work of faith and labor of love…”
 
 
“Therefore, my beloved breathern, be ye stedfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”
 
   – Pastor Rudy