A labour of love
Meaning
Work or effort undertaken with great personal enjoyment and dedication, often without expectation of material reward.
Origin
The resonant phrase "a labour of love" finds its deep roots in the New Testament of the Bible. It appears twice, first in 1 Thessalonians 1:3 where Paul commends the community for their "work of faith and labour of love," and again in Hebrews 6:10, which speaks of God not forgetting their "labour of love" shown to the saints. In these ancient texts, the phrase wasn't just about hard work, but about diligent effort motivated by profound faith and genuine affection, rather than obligation or personal gain. It was the epitome of selfless devotion, a concept that has gracefully transitioned from scripture into common idiom, signifying any task performed with heartfelt dedication.
Examples
- Designing and building the intricate birdhouse was a true labour of love for the retired carpenter.
- Despite the long hours and minimal pay, maintaining the community garden was a labour of love for all the volunteers.