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LABOUR OF LOVE
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7
1 Thessalonians 1:3

2 Corinthians 5:14-15

 

“For the love of Christ

constraineth us…”

 

LABOUR OF LOVE
 
Following salvation, it is only natural the believer seeks to labour for the Lord. Throughout the epistle, Paul would describe the many ways in which the Thessalonian believers had been labouring for God, in their example and witness to the surrounding provinces (1 Thess 1), their sufferings because of their faith (1 Thess 2), their faith and charity, and concern for Paul (1 Thess 3) and their brotherly love for their fellow believers (1 Thess 4).
 
It is clear the common thread through these labours is the love demonstrated by them. In the phrase, “labour of love” (1 Thess 1:3), Paul linked these two ideas together, explaining that a believer’s labours are compelled or motivated by their love. Paul also shared with the Corinthian church that it was the love of Christ that constrained him in his service (2 Cor 5:14).
 
Compared to the previous word “work” (an act or deed done), which Paul used in conjunction with faith, the word “labour,” expressed the process of exertion and effort put in. Labour (Greek: kopos) conveys the sense of hard toil, suffering and sorrow. It speaks of an intense effort that may cause one to be troubled and emphasises the weariness which follows. Work (Greek: ergon) may be pleasant and stimulating, but labour implies toil that is strenuous and fatiguing.
 
This is the extent of service which every Christian must aspire towards. He must labour, motivated by love for Christ only, and not pride, vain glory or any other man-centred reasons. This love here is the agape, sacrificial, unconditional love which Christ demonstrated on the cross. It is the love that has been shed abroad in the hearts of all believers by the Holy Ghost (Rom 5:5). Bound by this love, we must endeavour to do the best that we can to live for Christ. It will not always be easy, but it is a commitment that we make, for we love Him because He first loved us (1 John 4:19).
 
THOUGHT: What am I willing to do for the people that I love?

PRAYER: Father, cause my love for Thee never to grow dim.

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