Children’s Sermon

1 Thessalonians 1:1-10

Always Give Thanks

By Lois Parker Edstrom

Paul of the Bible writes a letter to Christians living in another town and he says, “We always give thanks to God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers” (1:2) “remembering without ceasing your work of faith and labor of love…”(1:3).

It must feel great to know that someone prays for you frequently and thanks God for your “labor of love.”

Let’s talk about that. A “labor of love” is work you do because you love to do it. It is the kind of work that makes you happy. It is the kind of work that causes you to be unaware of the passing of time. You look at the clock and are surprised to see an hour has gone by and you had no idea that had happened because you were so interested in your work.

Discovering what it is you love to do will help you make a good decision about the work you choose to do when you are older. What is it that truly interests you? For some kids it is music, for others it may be bugs. Some love to cook and some like to write. Let’s hear about some of the things that interest you.

Now let’s think about people in our lives who have found their “labor of love.” Of course we think of mothers and fathers, and also of ministers, firemen, doctors and nurses, teachers, those who serve in the military, bakers and gardeners. The list is endless.

Paul writes, “We always give thanks to God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers.” Perhaps you would like to make a list of people you know who work hard to help you learn and grow and have fun. Hang the list on the wall where you will see it each day or write a person’s name in your gratitude journal each night before you go to sleep.

Thank God for these people and ask that God give them strength and continue to bless them as they work at their “labors of love.”

Scripture quotations from the World English Bible

Copyright 2012, Richard Niell Donovan