Topical Bible: Diligence: Required by God in Labours of Love

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Diligence, as a virtue, is highly esteemed in the Scriptures and is often associated with the faithful execution of one's duties, particularly in the context of love and service to others. The Bible presents diligence as a necessary quality for those who seek to fulfill God's commandments and live a life pleasing to Him.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of diligence is rooted in the character of God Himself, who is depicted as a diligent worker in creation and providence. Believers are called to emulate this divine attribute in their own lives. Proverbs 12:24 states, "The hand of the diligent will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor." This verse highlights the rewards of diligence, contrasting it with the consequences of slothfulness.

In the New Testament, diligence is closely linked with love and good works. Hebrews 6:10-11 emphasizes this connection: "For God is not unjust. He will not forget your work and the love you have shown for His name as you have ministered to the saints and continue to do so. We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that your hope may be fully assured." Here, diligence is portrayed as an ongoing commitment to serving others in love, which is recognized and rewarded by God.

Diligence in Love and Service

The Apostle Paul frequently exhorts believers to be diligent in their labors of love. In Romans 12:11 , he writes, "Do not let your zeal subside; keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord." This call to maintain zeal and fervor underscores the importance of a diligent spirit in the service of God and others.

Moreover, in 1 Thessalonians 1:3 , Paul commends the Thessalonian church for their "work of faith, labor of love, and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ." The phrase "labor of love" suggests that true love is not passive but requires active and diligent effort.

Practical Application

Diligence in labors of love manifests in various aspects of Christian life, including ministry, family, and community service. Believers are encouraged to be diligent in their study of Scripture, prayer, and the exercise of spiritual gifts. In 2 Timothy 2:15 , Paul advises, "Make every effort to present yourself approved to God, an unashamed workman who accurately handles the word of truth." This verse highlights the necessity of diligence in understanding and applying God's Word.

In the context of family, diligence is essential in nurturing and instructing children in the ways of the Lord. Proverbs 22:6 instructs, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." This training requires consistent and diligent effort from parents.

Eternal Perspective

The Scriptures also present an eternal perspective on diligence. In 2 Peter 1:10 , believers are urged, "Therefore, brothers, strive to make your calling and election sure. For if you practice these things you will never stumble." Diligence in pursuing godliness and confirming one's calling is portrayed as a safeguard against spiritual failure.

Ultimately, diligence in labors of love is not merely about earthly rewards but is intrinsically linked to the believer's eternal inheritance. Galatians 6:9 encourages, "Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." This promise assures believers that their diligent efforts in love will be rewarded in God's perfect timing.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Hebrews 6:10-12
For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, which you have showed toward his name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

On God's vineyard
... they maintain, with equal zeal and diligence, the doctrine ... this is the only condition
required) with them. ... his power; and, attending all the ordinances of God. ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 107 on gods vineyard.htm

Letter xxi. (AD 391. )
... infirmity, my duty is to study with diligence all the ... to the Church in the things
of God, or at ... prevent another from taking possession of land required not for ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter xxi a d 391.htm

On the Feast of a Holy Confessor
... before all things, man should use all diligence in learning ... himself earnestly to
the keeping of God's commands. ... for simple laymen; but more is required of the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tauler/the inner way/sermon xxxiii on the feast.htm

The Sermon that the Reverend Father in Christ
... They have required in you a long season, and yet require, diligence and sincerity ...
patiently looking for that that they clearly shall see when God shall be ...
/.../sermons on the card and other discourses/the sermon that the reverend.htm

Work
... of dirt and refuse; and all the labour required to keep ... Yes; thank God every morning,
when you get up ... in you temperance and self-control, diligence and strength ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/town and country sermons/sermon xii work.htm

The Last Interview of Paul with the Elders of Ephesus.
... The diligence of the Apostle was not confined to his ... made them overseers, to feed
the Church of God, which he ... with his own blood." They are required first "to ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xxiv the last interview.htm

Paul and Silas in Thessalonica and Berea.
... of all concerns, upon the diligence, impartiality, and ... Christians are not, indeed,
required to disregard the ... Sincere love to God, and reverence for his ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xix paul and silas.htm

A Summary of the Christian Life. Of Self-Denial.
... to the other members, because it has required more exertion ... so to feel were to murmur
against God, at whose ... it to himself and his own diligence, or industry ...
/.../sergieff/on the christian life/chapter ii a summary of.htm

Epistle v. To the Presbyters and Deacons.
... respect of doing those things which are required for the ... not forsaken Christ's flock,
that, by your diligence, means be ... soon as, by the grace of God, I shall ...
/.../cyprian/the epistles of cyprian/epistle v to the presbyters.htm

A Summary of the Christian Life. Of Self-Denial.
... 1. Mercy.2. Humility.3. Modesty.4. Diligence.5. Perseverance ... the other members, because
it has required more exertion ... we have said has reference to God, let us ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 7 a summary of.htm