1230) I had a dog, Boone, for 11 years that was rarely healthy. I guess his first two years were fine, but by the end of his second year, among other things, allergies were a major problem. I discovered he was allergic to four major ingredients that are found in most dog foods (besides over 20 other things he was allergic to) and his auto-immune system was faulty. I had to buy him special food to eat, and he constantly had skin issues that needed treatment every few days if not all of them. He also had to have shots every two to three weeks. Looking back on it now, I don’t know how I did this for 9 plus years but, if you were to ask me if it was worth it, my answer will always be, “yes”; I did these things for him because of love and I know he loved me for it.

Paul recognizes the believers in 1 Thessalonians 1:3 because their labor for God was a result of their love. Even though faith was a difficult thing to stand on. Even though being a Christian brought persecution. Even though only a small crowd were followers of Christ. Even though commitment must be maintained every day. Through these difficulties – which is what the Greek word here, kopos, is translated into  – they continued on because of their love for God.

At times I have wondered, how can I love someone whom I can’t see? One answer is because I recognize all Jesus willingly went through on the cross for me. That, alone, is the best motivator.

Hard labor is worth it because of love. 1 Thessalonians 1:3