Wednesday 5th February
Read 1 Thessalonians 1:2-5
“We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. 3 We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labour prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. 4 For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you, 5 because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake.” (NIVUK)
These words, over time, would change slightly as Paul continued to encourage the churches in Greece. When writing to the Corinthian believers he would use a more ‘famous’ version when he wrote to them of ‘faith, hope and love’ (1 Corinthians 13:13). But from the very beginning, the grounds of true discipleship were anchored in faith, hope and love.
Faith and love though are not theoretical and were never so. The Reformation may have resulted in us looking at salvation through the lens of ‘faith alone’, and, in a sense separating faith and works. But when Paul wrote to the Thessalonian believers he remembered their work (produced by faith) and their labour (prompted by love). He saw what they were doing and knew that their faith was real. Faith and love are not feelings. They are not merely things we think.
Faith and love are actions. Inspired by hope. Despite circumstances.
Faith and love are grounded in Jesus.
