The Reward for Our Service

Who is our hope or joy or crown of boasting in the presence of our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? Indeed you are our glory and joy! —1 Thessalonians 2:19–20

Have you ever asked yourself what kind of reward you’ll receive for your service to others? Have you ever wondered if it’s worth all the time, energy, tears, trials, and disappointments?

Paul had a few things to say about that concern. In 1 Thessalonians, he reminds us that the rewards of ministry won’t be fully experienced until Christ returns. We won’t have all the joys, benefits, and blessings this side of heaven. There may be some, but they won’t be fully experienced until Jesus comes back. When we have our hope fixed on this truth, it will keep us from becoming discouraged.

While we may or may not receive tangible rewards for our service on earth, Paul points to a reward that may not be as obvious—the people into whose lives we’ve invested and who have been touched and transformed by the gospel. They are our reward. They are what bring us joy.

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“Portrait of an Effective Servant” (Revive Our Hearts series)

Scripture taken from The CSB