Monday Memo 1238: Labor of Love

“Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” — 1 Thessalonians 1:3

As I write this, I am in Burkina Faso, West Africa, as part of a short-term missions team. During our stay, we went to visit the oldest pastor in the country to obtain his blessing for our work. He prayed for each of us, and when he prayed for me, he said repeatedly that I would go throughout America and Africa and “work.”

My first thought was, What do you think I’m doing? I already put in long days. But his prayer stayed with me. It made me realize that as we examine the basics of purpose, a study of work may be the right way to end this series. So let’s get started.

Paul draws an important distinction in this verse that we often overlook. Faith produces work. Hope produces endurance. But love produces labor. The word Paul uses for labor—the Greek word kopos—speaks of exhausting effort, work that drains strength and demands perseverance. I once saw kopos defined as intense labor united with toil and trouble. This isn’t activity that fits neatly into a schedule or leaves you refreshed when it is done. It’s effort that costs something.

What becomes clear as you read through Paul’s entire letter to the Thessalonians is that this was not a passing compliment. Labor is a theme woven throughout the book. In chapter 2, Paul reminds them of his own example: “Surely you remember, brothers and sisters, our labor and toil; we worked night and day, so that we would not be a burden to any of you while we preached the gospel of God” (2:9). Paul did not separate ministry from effort. Love compelled him to work harder, not less, so others could receive freely.

That kind of labor is rarely noticed. It happens early and late, in preparation and follow-through, in showing up again when no one is applauding. I’m familiar with this kind of work because it has marked much of my own journey—and, according to that elderly pastor’s prayer, it will likely continue. Writing book after book, often without knowing who would read them. Teaching and traveling year after year, repeating the same truths in new places, trusting that the message would land in the right hearts at the right time. Much of that work has been tiring, and much of it has gone unseen. But love—for God’s purpose and for the people meant to be served—made the labor necessary.

Paul reinforces this again near the end of the letter when he urges the church to respect those “who labor among you and are over you in the Lord” (5:12). Leadership, in Paul’s mind, is not defined by position or recognition, but by who is willing to expend themselves for others. The ones who labor are the ones who carry responsibility, stay engaged, and refuse to disengage when the work becomes difficult.

That challenges the idea that God’s will should always feel easy or energizing. Scripture never teaches that. Purpose doesn’t eliminate effort; it directs it. Obligation asks, How little can I do and still be faithful? Love asks, What more is required of me because this matters? When love is present, labor follows—not out of guilt, but out of commitment.

If your obedience has made you tired, that does not mean you have missed God’s will. According to Paul, it may mean you are living it out.

Reflection

1. Where in your life are you currently laboring because you care deeply, even though the work is demanding?

2. Are there responsibilities you carry quietly that reflect love more than convenience?

3. Where might God be inviting you to embrace effort not as a burden, but as a sign that love is actively at work in you?

Prayer

Lord, thank You for showing me that love is not passive. When the work You have given me feels heavy, help me remember that labor is often the language love speaks. Renew my strength, protect my heart from resentment, and help me remain faithful in the places where my effort is unseen. Teach me to labor well and with joy. Amen.

Application

This week, take note of one area where you're investing sustained effort for the sake of others. Instead of resenting the cost, name it as labor of love. Ask God for renewed strength and clarity, then continue faithfully in that work, trusting that He sees both the effort and the motive behind it.