our daily bread
Dexu Xia
Faith, Love, and Hope
We always thank God for all of you. 1 Thessalonians 1:2
For ten years, my Aunt Kathy cared for her father (my grandfather) in her home. She cooked and cleaned for him when he was independent, and then took on the role of nurse when his health declined.
Her service is one modern example of the words of Paul who wrote to the Thessalonians that he thanked God for “your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thessalonians 1:3).
Be encouraged as you do the work God has called you to do.
My aunt served in faith and love. Her daily, consistent care was the result of her belief that God called her to this important work. Her labor was borne out of love for God and her father.
She also endured in hope. My grandfather was a very kind man, but it was difficult to watch him decline. She gave up time with family and friends, and limited travel to care for him. She was able to endure because of the hope that God would strengthen her each day, along with the hope of heaven that awaited my grandfather.
Whether it is caring for a relative, helping a neighbor, or volunteering your time, be encouraged as you do the work God has called you to do. Your labor can be a powerful testimony of faith, hope, and love.
Lord, may I this day have eyes to see others’ needs, direction from You on any ways I might help, and the Spirit’s power to obey. May I live out the faith, love, and hope You’ve given to me.
The glory of life is to love, not to be loved; to give, not to get; to serve, not to be served.
信心、爱心和盼望
我们为你们众人常常感谢上帝。-帖撒罗尼迦前书1章2节
这十年来，我的姑姑都在她家里照顾她的父亲（我的爷爷）。她在爷爷还能自理时，为他做饭、打扫，并在他健康退化之后，担任他的看护。
在保罗写给帖撒罗尼迦教会的书信中，有一节经文，恰能体现我姑姑的服事。保罗为众人“因信心所做的工夫，因爱心所受的劳苦，因盼望我们主耶稣基督所存的忍耐”而感谢上帝（帖撒罗尼迦前书1章3节）。
姑姑用信心和爱心服事，日复一日地照顾爷爷，因她相信是上帝呼召她去做这份重要的工作。她的付出完全是因为她对上帝和对父亲的爱。
姑姑也在盼望中忍耐。我爷爷是位慈祥的长者，看着他逐日衰老，是一件令人难过的事。姑姑为了要照顾爷爷，放弃了与家人朋友相处的时光，也少有机会出门旅游。姑姑因心存盼望而能够忍耐，她深知上帝会天天加给她力量，也知道爷爷拥有永生的盼望。
不论是照顾亲人、帮助邻居，或自愿付出时间关怀别人，当上帝呼召时，我们就应该勇敢去做祂要我们做的事。你的付出会成为信、望、爱最美好的见证。
亲爱的主，求祢今日让我能看见他人的需要、
看见祢指引我该如何帮助别人，并顺从圣灵的引导。
求祢帮助我活出祢赐给我的信心、爱心和盼望。
美好的生命，是爱人而非被爱，
是给予而非获取，是服事而非受人服事