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| Beliefs - Bible Studies Our Labor of Love |
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“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, 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 brethren, 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.”
.
Rudy Oakes
March 2003
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, 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 brethren, 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.”
.
Rudy Oakes
March 2003