William Barclay tells a story about British writer Bernard Newman, who once stayed in a Bulgarian peasant’s home. During his visit, the daughter sat quietly, stitching a dress from morning until night.
Curious, Newman asked, “Don’t you ever get tired of that endless sewing?”
“Oh no!” she replied with a smile. “You see—this is my wedding dress.”
We often describe a task that may seem laborious to others as a “labor of love.” This expression speaks to our passion for a project. What may appear tedious to someone else becomes deeply rewarding to us, regardless of the time, effort, or energy required.
When directed toward another person, it may express our deep feelings for them—for what they have meant to our lives and our desire to give back. Taking care of an elderly parent, for example, can be transformed from a burden into a “labor of love” because of what they mean to us and the memories we cherish of their care, concern, and sacrifice as we grew up.
This idea is not merely cultural—it is deeply biblical. In fact, the Bible uses this expression as it speaks of our work for the Lord and our ministry in His name.
1 Thessalonians 1:2–3
“We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father.”Hebrews 6:10–11
“For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.”
These verses reflect the application of the two great commandments in Matthew 22:37–40—to love God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and to love your neighbor as yourself.
As noted in earlier posts in our theme, Love More, Give More, our love is not to be abstract, theoretical, or merely intellectual. It is active, not passive. It is real, working, and freely giving of itself.
When we serve the Lord, obey His commands, and minister to others as a “labor of love,” it transforms “have to” into “want to.” As Leo Tolstoy is credited with saying, “What we do out of obligation tires us; what we do out of love energizes us.” Or as Mother Teresa often reminded us, “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.”
The Christian’s “labor of love” is more often seen in the daily, routine, and ordinary acts of kindness than in extraordinary, newsworthy events.
At home, we serve in love by lending a helping hand when chores become burdensome and by offering encouragement when it is needed most. Husbands and wives, parents and children demonstrate love through mutual respect and unselfishness. Love doesn’t say, “That’s not my job.” Love says, “Let me help.”
In the church, we serve in love by using our spiritual gifts, talents, and abilities to build up the body of Christ. It may be through teaching, showing hospitality, or meeting a financial need. Sometimes, it is as simple as a word of encouragement, a smile, or a listening ear. True love takes the time to notice the needs of others and to care.
Beyond our homes and church family, Christian love is expressed in everyday life—loving our neighbor, being an enthusiastic and helpful co-worker, and treating others with honor, honesty, and respect.
In a world that often celebrates selfish ambition and personal achievement, Christians are called to a different standard—a life marked by a labor of love.
When our labor is a “labor of love,” we not only love more—we give more. More of our time. More of our resources. More of our abilities. More of ourselves.
A “labor of love” is not a lazy love, but one that is diligent and untiring. It is plainly and visibly demonstrated in all our relationships.
Finally, remember this: our “labor of love” never goes unnoticed. The Lord sees. The Lord knows. And He will reward what others may overlook or fail to appreciate.
Indeed, as Canadian author and blogger Ann Voskamp observed, “A labor of love leaves fingerprints on eternity.”
—Ken Weliever, The Preacherman
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