I find it interesting that Paul used two different words—work and labor, when they seem so similar—as he defined the Thessalonian believers:
“constantly bearing in mind your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the presence of our God and Father” (1 Thessalonians 1:3 NASB).
Why not use “labor of faith” and “work of love?”
Although those two verbs may seem alike, they are defined very differently: “Work, may mean either the act, the simple transaction, or the process of dealing with anything, or the result of the dealing – as a book or a picture is called a work. Labor means to strike or hew; hence, laborious, painful exertion” (Vincent).
Works of faith are those “books or pictures” that faith prompts. Such works do not produce faith; rather, they are works that shows forth faith. For example, when the four brought the paralytic to Jesus, tearing a hole in the roof and lowering their friend before the Lord; or the woman with the issue of blood who just wanted to touch the hem of His garment.
Works of faith are not necessarily laborious in that the Lord does the work and we simply believe in Him.
“And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6 NASB).
On the other hand, a labor of love can be very arduous as believers minister to various and continual needs of those around us: “And He said to them, ‘Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a while.’ (For there were many people coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.)” (Mark 6:31 NASB). These works are neither abhorred nor avoided, but just taxing to our entire being. Yet, because of love we continue to toil.
In Revelation 14:13 we see the end to our works of faith and our labor of love: “And I heard a voice from heaven, saying, ‘Write, “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on!”’ ‘Yes,’ says the Spirit, ‘so that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow with them.’”
The day will come when the toils of love’s labor will enter eternal rest and the faith that prompted works will become a sight to behold!
Even so, come quickly Lord Jesus!!
