Faith, Hope and Love
Faith, Hope and Love. We see it everywhere, plaques, T-shirts, etc. What message are we actually receiving from these words?
Faith: “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” (New International Version, Hebrews 11:1).
I have faith in my husband, trusting he will be true to me and stand beside me till death do us part. But I have another faith and that is in God, although I do not see him I know he is with me, his spirit lives within me and he is always walking beside me. I have faith I will see him someday through his promise in the birth, life, death, resurrection, and return of Jesus. 1 Peter 8-9.
Hope: “For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience”. (New International Version, Romans 8:24-25).
My siblings and I get together every year for what we refer to as our “Sibling Party”, spending several nights together reminiscing and enjoying one another’s company. This year my earthly hope is that the quarantine is lifted and we will all be able to get together as planned. My heavenly hope lies in Jesus through the power of his Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13.
Love: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” (emphasis mine) (New International Version, 1 Corinthians 4-7.)
I definitely have the strong affection kind of love for my family and close friends. But the love Paul is talking about? This is all together different. In Mark 12:31 Jesus tells us we are to love our neighbors as ourselves. He isn’t talking only about the guy next door but everyone we encounter is our neighbor. Sometimes I’m not even patient or kind with those whom I love dearly so how am I doing with my neighbor? What about the person who comes to my car window asking for a little help? Or the folks I see not practicing social distancing? Or even the guy who grabbed the last package of toilet paper? Am I being patient or kind to them? If someone was videoing our lives would we be pleased to watch our reactions in our daily routine? I have to constantly remind myself that while God is not videoing my actions he sees all. May we all practice the kind of love Paul refers to and greet our neighbors with this kind of love.
