Thoughts on Today's Verse...
In a world that falls for facades and seems to give more credit for intentions than actions, don't you find it refreshing that Paul expects — and gives thanks — that the Thessalonian disciples' faith, hope, and love will naturally produce certain actions:
(1) Faith produces work.
(2) Love prompts labor.
(3) Hope inspires endurance.
These new Christians were excelling in the enduring three virtues of discipleship (1 Corinthians 13:13), and these virtues were leading to their work, labor, and endurance!
My Prayer...
Mighty God of deliverance, I want to honor you with a life of observable faith, hope, and love. Please revive and refresh me with your Holy Spirit so that my life will be full of the actions that your grace and character inspire. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
