Prayer, Faith and Love

To casual readers, Paul’s opening comments to the Thessalonians may sound like a mere salutation. But in fact he was introducing key themes.

In these opening verses, Paul focused on the importance of prayer, reminding them that he was committed to prayer. He later emphasized that believers should pray continually, that anyone could pray, and that prayer could take place anytime, anywhere.

Second, Paul focused on their work. He wanted believers to realize the importance of being transformed by the Gospel, demonstrating in practical ways that the Gospel is true.

The Greek word translated labor suggests how one earns a living but also the toil that accompanies this work. Paul was teaching the Thessalonians the importance of being consistent and displaying endurance in every situation. Of persevering and being determined.

Paul also introduced three important spiritual traits: faith, hope, and love. These are cornerstones of the Christian life. The believers work had been produced by faith. They needed to have the right motives, inspired by love. And they needed to be filled with hope, a theme he returned to several times. Paul wanted them to realize that “those without Christ do not have hope” (1 Thessalonians 4:13).

These themes should be central to your life. Seek to be a person of prayer. Demonstrate that your life has been transformed in practical ways. That you are motivated by love. And filled with hope.