August 11 2026

Tuesday August 11

The Measure of a Growing Christian

1 Thessalonians 1:3

Welcome to Pastor’s Chat. Today we continue our journey through 1 Thessalonians. Yesterday, in verse 2, we saw Paul's thankful heart as he wrote: “We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers.” Now in verse 3, Paul tells us what he remembered about these believers when he prayed for them: “Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father.” Years ago, I read two books by Dr. Gene Getz, The Measure of a Man and The Measure of a Church. I remember being impressed with the thought that spiritual growth can be measured by looking at these three great qualities that Paul mentions here: Faith. Love. Hope.

Interestingly, when Paul writes his second letter to these same believers, he again mentions these qualities. In 2 Thessalonians 1:3–4, he tells them that their faith was growing exceedingly, their love toward one another was increasing, and he commends their patience and faith in their persecutions and tribulations. In other words, these qualities could be observed and measured. So perhaps we should ask ourselves today: How is my faith? How is my love? How is my hope?

First, Paul remembers their “work of faith.” Notice he does not say that we are saved by works. The Bible clearly teaches that salvation is by grace through faith, not of works. But genuine faith produces works. James reminds us that faith without works is dead. When we truly believe God, it affects the way we live. Noah believed God, so he built an ark. Abraham believed God, so he left his homeland. Peter believed Jesus, so he stepped out of the boat. Real faith moves us to action. The question is not simply, “Do I say that I have faith?” The question is, “What is my faith producing in my life?”

Then Paul mentions their “labor of love.” The word “labor” speaks of strenuous effort—working to the point of weariness. There is a difference between simply saying, “I love you,” and loving someone enough to sacrifice for them. Real love costs something. Jesus demonstrated that kind of love for us. John 3:16 says: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son.” Love gives. Love serves. Love sacrifices. Love keeps going even when serving becomes inconvenient. Some of you know exactly what that means. You have cared for someone when you were tired. You have given when it was a sacrifice. You have prayed for someone year after year. You have continued loving someone even when that love was not returned. That is a labor of love.

Then Paul mentions their “patience of hope.” The word “patience” here carries the idea of steadfast endurance. Biblical hope isn't wishful thinking. Our hope is a confident expectation based upon the promises of God. And notice where that hope is centered: “Hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” The Thessalonian believers were experiencing tremendous persecution. Yet they kept going because they believed Jesus Christ was coming again. In fact, the return of Christ becomes one of the great themes of this entire letter. Their circumstances were difficult, but their hope was greater than their circumstances. And that is still true for us today. When life becomes difficult, hope says: God is still on His throne. God is still faithful. God is still keeping His promises. And Jesus is coming again. That kind of hope gives us the strength to endure.

So here is a simple spiritual examination for us today. Does my faith work? Does my love labor? Does my hope endure? Faith that never affects how we live needs to be examined. Love that never sacrifices is only words. Hope that disappears whenever difficulties come is not the strong biblical hope Paul is describing. And I love how Paul finishes the verse: “In the sight of God and our Father.” Ultimately, we are not trying to impress people. God sees our faith. God sees our labor. God sees our perseverance. Others may never know about some of the things you do for the Lord, but God sees them.

Maybe today we should ask the Lord to increase these three great qualities in our lives: A faith that works. A love that labors. And a hope that patiently endures.

Let's pray. Father, thank You for the example of these believers in Thessalonica. Help us to examine our own lives today. Give us a faith that produces obedience and good works, a love that willingly serves and sacrifices for others, and a hope in our Lord Jesus Christ that enables us to patiently endure whatever difficulties we might face. May our faith grow, our love increase, and our hope remain steadfast until Jesus comes. We ask this in His precious name. Amen.

God bless, and you have a wonderful, wonderful day.