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 The Intimate Relationship of Faith, Hope, and Love (March 15, 2024) 

 “And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” (1 Corinthians 13:13)

Faith, hope, and love are intimately interconnected! These are the three foundational virtues upon which joyful, fruitful, and rewarding Christian lives are built. As believers, the unselfish love that we should speak and show to other people each day is the outward expression of deep inner faith in Jesus Christ in whom we have the assurance of an everlasting hope. Having gained access to God’s abiding grace through faith in Christ and acceptance of His sacrifice for our sins, we are spiritually changed. Our transformed hearts gratefully desire to engage in labors of love for our LORD as we endure life’s trials and patiently anticipate His appearing to take us to a heavenly paradise where we will live forever in the glorious presence of our Almighty God!

 “We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father, knowing, beloved brethren, your election by God.” (1 Thessalonians 1:2-4)

As we seek to exalt God as our highest priority and live in trusting obedience, He works with us to suppress our selfish motives, allowing us to put the needs and interests of others above our own. Empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit, we become vessels through which the matchless love of Jesus, the greatest of all virtues, can freely flow, manifesting His grace to a lost and dying world and magnifying His honor and glory. Our faith is put into action when we engage in good works of love, kindness, and compassion that not only serve others’ needs but open doors to personal relationships that allow us to share with others the gospel and the certain hope of salvation and eternal life that we have in our Savior Jesus Christ alone! 

“But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation.”  (1 Thessalonians 5:8)



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