Three Marks

We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers,  remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3

As we read Paul’s prayer to the Thessalonians, we saw three highlighted marks of a faithful believer: 

• Work of Faith
  
  It’s not enough to only know the right answers. Those who love the Lord Jesus obey his commands and a believer’s faith produces good fruit and works. We are not saying believers are saved by good works, but rather they are saved by grace, through faith and set apart for good works. (John 14:21, Ephesians 2:8-9, Titus 2:14)
  
  If someone receives the free gift of salvation in Jesus Christ, yet their life does not bear the fruit of transformation and godly living, then something is definitely missing. Paul thanks God for the Thessalonians “work of faith.” Good works ought to flow from your faith.

• Labor of Love
  
  Christ’s love is selfless and sacrificial. He endured much labor and toil for the sake of love. Here Paul is again thanking God for these believers who are continually toiling and working intensely out of love and for the purpose of love.
  
  True love is not only in word or tongue, but in action and in truth. (1 John 3:18)
• Steadfastness of Hope in our Lord Jesus Christ
  
  Throughout life believers face challenges, opposition and persecution. It can come in all shapes and sizes. It is essential to not let the circumstances of life cause you to lose hope in the promise of Christ. These Thessalonian believers are an example to all believers of being steadfast in the hope of Jesus in the midst of persecutions and trials. (1 Thessalonians 2:14; 2 Thessalonians 1:4) 

As a fresh way to pray for others, we encourage you to pray for these three marks to flood the lives of your church family and all believers worldwide. On a personal level, we urge you to take time with the Lord to reflect and seek God about these areas in your own life. 

This question can help you reflect…

How does your life demonstrate the work of your faith, labor of love and steadfastness of hope in Christ?