(The following is the September 14 devotional from my Next Step Devotions book. Before reading it, I suggest you read 1 Thessalonians 1 and pay close attention to verses 2-6.)

Paul ended his memorable love chapter to the Corinthians with, “Now these three remain: faith, hope, and love – but the greatest of these is love” (1 Cor. 13:13). He mentioned these again in the opening of 1 Thessalonians: “We recall, in the presence of our God and Father, your work produced by faith, your labor motivated by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ” (v. 3).

Faith works. Christianity knows no genuine faith that doesn’t give evidence of itself through works. Humans aren’t naturally inclined as sinners to live God-honoring lives. But once we are new creations in Christ, he changes our nature. We have new hearts and desires. We still fail, but the Spirit compels us to live out our faith in daily life.

Love labors. As God’s children, we should continually grow in the fruit of the Spirit, especially love. Because we love God, we work for him. We desire to serve through his church because loving the Bridegroom means we also love his bride. This love should permeate relationships with family, friends, neighbors, and even strangers as we serve others well and love them as God has loved us.

Hope endures. If we expect the rewards for our efforts to be immediate in this earthly life, we will be disappointed when things don’t go as planned. But our hope as believers is not just for the present. We live with eternity in mind and have hope and assurance based on the timeless promises of God’s Word. Nothing can strip that hope away; therefore, we endure whatever this life brings.

May our lives mimic the Thessalonians with faith that works, love that labors, and hope that endures.  

Next Step:
Is there evidence of working faith, laboring love, and enduring hope in your life? Do you need to focus on strengthening any of them?