Paul refers to three qualities of the Christian Thessalonians; Work of faith, labor of love and patience of hope (1 Thessalonians 1:3).
Remembering that faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1), we can deduce that faith produces works. Or in other words, works can be evidence of our faith. This may manifest itself in giving money to ministries or being directly involved in ministry. It may manifest itself in a life of praying or others or visiting persons in the hospital, or giving groceries to someone in need.
Remembering also that works must be based on love to be of any eternal value (1Corinthians 13:1-3), we seek God as our source of love. He will fill our hearts with the compassion we need.
Works of love require patience of hope. More often than not, we do not see immediate spiritual results from our work. It is the hope in God's eternal, omnipotent power that creates in us the ability to continue to do good without seeing spiritual outcomes.
