1 Thessalonians 1:3 NASB
... constantly bearing in mind your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the presence of our God and Father...
There are three striking pairings in this verse.
1. Work of faith - Faith and work are often paired in antithesis to one another. Here we see work finding its genesis and power in faith. Work and faith, far from being in opposition to one another, are integrally tied to each other.
2. Labor of Love - A recent popular best seller presented the "languages of love". Love can be communicated by acts of service. This was certainly true of our Lord's love. Jesus, love incarnate, was the suffering Servant foretold by Isaiah.
3. Steadfastness of Hope - Christ in you, the hope of glory. He is a hope that doesn't disappoint. He is a hope that doesn't grow weary. "Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall, but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength."
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