We recall, in the presence of our God and Father, your work produced by faith, your labor motivated by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you… (1 Thessalonians 1:3-4)
As I was reading Paul’s words, I thought, “What motivates me? Is it the fact that God loves me? That for some reason, he chose me to be his child?
“Why do I do the things I do? Is it born from my belief that God is good?
“As I serve the Lord, am I motivated by my love for God and for others?
“Why do I endure when things get hard? Is it because I have been inspired by the hope I have in Jesus?”
Faith. Hope. Love. These are the things that make the Christian life a joy and not a burden.
Lord, increase my faith. Root me in your love. And when things get hard, remind me of the hope I have in you. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Moment to Moment (Bible blog) 