Labor of Love

1 Thessalonians 1:3 Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;

What does labor of love have to do with patience?

Revelation 2v2 I know thy works, and thy labor, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:

Hebrews 6:10 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, which ye have showed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

Everyone is working on something but not all are working for something. There is an even smaller portion working for someone and the remnant is working for God. The blessing is that all of you who are working for God must realize that He hears you and He recognizes your efforts. In 1 Thessalonians Paul says that he is “remembering without ceasing” the work and faith of the believers. How much more do you think your Father in Heaven is remembering you and your work? The moment a thought of despair enters your thinking then, replace it with a greater thought of the Father cheering for your success.

There may be things you feel you cannot bear but God strengthens you through Patience. A part of my definition of Patience is, “Knowing that the Supreme Being is in control”. So, stop worrying, you are given credit for not fainting. Keep your elbows up and your head down and your guaranteed reward is on the way.

There are many of you that have stopped doing the work of the Father because you witnessed the evil traits of mankind on earth. These evil or twisted actions are just that, actions of man. Do not allow these atrocities to cause you to fall back away from God. Have patience for the sake of the name of the Lord. The incorrect actions of man should propel you to increase your intensity towards proper labor for God. Now that you know that God’s people need visible examples of faithful people.

In Hebrews 6v10 the Bible says, “For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and Labor of Love…” For all of you with a direct relationship with God know that He is not unrighteous so how can you think that He has forgotten you? To paraphrase verse 11. Be diligent and hold out hope for a better day. Next in verse 12 comes a warning. Why a warning for the faith laborers when presumably they have done nothing wrong? I know why because I have been to this place and stayed too long. The place is called “believers apathy”, because we convince ourselves that we do not care about others so we cannot get hurt or be disappointed anymore. Well here is the warning plus the marching orders:

Hebrews 6 v 12
“That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.”

Theodore Roosevelt said, “If we seek merely swollen and slothful ease… the bolder and stronger peoples will pass us by.”

You cannot take the easy way out. If you read further down in Revelation chapter 2 verse 4 states, “Never the less I have somewhat against thee because thou hast left thy first love” The Father knows when you have slacked off and wants you back on the right track. This is why he says find others who are faithful if you need an example to follow and you will inherit the promises. Let’s finish with a promise that you all can hold on to:

“To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the Paradise of God.” It takes a Labor of Love and patience to eat of the tree of life.

What are you going to continue to do for the Love of God?

Do not spend too much time in the Middle

This topic seems a little counterintuitive to the usual topics we explore but it is just as important. Many days while I am practicing patience I realize action is necessary. The beginning starts with an event or a decision and the end is result whether positive or negative. The middle is where the fun occurs and where you can get lost.

Courtesy of My Free Mickey


1. Stay with the rational decision you made in the beginning
You should make a decision early and stick with it. Every time that you waiver on a decision it is tough for those involved with you to continue to respect your decisions. It is also an area where time is consumed. Reclaim your time by making up your mind.
James 1:8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways

2. The middle is where the fun occurs
Always look for opportunities to have fun. Frequently, fun involves work and it can make for some odd kinds of diversion but in all you do enjoy yourself. If you are building a business take heart in the little enjoyments that happen day-to-day. Be thankful for the life you are given and the blessings that surround you.

3. No one really wants to go on vacation, we want to BE on vacation
This is the sentiment that comes from the kids, “Are we there yet?” By continuing to point to the future without really believing there is one is disingenuous. Get where you going as fast as possible so that you can enjoy the results of your labor. Make no excuses work as if your life depended on it. Fix your mistakes and make no apologies for your success. Enjoy your time in the sun.

How are you going to get out of the middle?