Your Labor is not in vain
Paul continually prayed for the churches he planted, thanking God for them. He told the Ephesians the same thing. (Ephesians 1:15-16) Do you thank God for the good Christian brothers and sisters that God has brought into your life?
He goes on to tell the specific things that he is thankful for.
The first was their works produced by faith. Whatever they did, they did it for the Lord and for His glory. Colossians 3:23-24 Are your works out of faith, or are they just the drudgery of making a living? Think about it are you work by faith or by the knowledge that you have of every thing that you do.
Secondly, he was thankful for their labor prompted by love. This makes my heart thankful too. Lately I have seen a number of believers do things out of love, helping others just because they love the Lord and the family of God. Some of it is a real sacrifice, but they want to express their gratitude to God. It is a real labor of love. Think about are you help some one to get appreciation and publicity or you help because of Christ love in you.
Third is their endurance inspired by hope. They believed that the Lord was going to return and reward everyone according to what they have done. In the face of persecution, they did not give up, but kept on enduring. Since Paul only had a short time with them, he must have been especially impressed and grateful for this quality in them. Think about are you looking to get reward from people or you endure in service knowing about eternal reward kept for you in heaven.
He goes on to tell the specific things that he is thankful for.
The first was their works produced by faith. Whatever they did, they did it for the Lord and for His glory. Colossians 3:23-24 Are your works out of faith, or are they just the drudgery of making a living? Think about it are you work by faith or by the knowledge that you have of every thing that you do.
Secondly, he was thankful for their labor prompted by love. This makes my heart thankful too. Lately I have seen a number of believers do things out of love, helping others just because they love the Lord and the family of God. Some of it is a real sacrifice, but they want to express their gratitude to God. It is a real labor of love. Think about are you help some one to get appreciation and publicity or you help because of Christ love in you.
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