Daily Worship

Love Always Hopes

John Povey February 16, 2022 0 1
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Hebrews 11: 1, 1 Corinthians 13: 7 (NIVUK)

(Hebrews 11) 1 Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

(1 Corinthians 13) 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

During the lockdown of 2020, the story of Captain Tom and the 100 laps he completed around his garden, raising over £38 million in the process for the NHS, truly captured a nation. His incredible achievement showed someone carrying on, and just trying to do their bit. It gave people hope and encouragement in a time of national crisis.

Love always hopes. In the Christian triad of virtues: faith, hope, and love, hope is often the neglected member, overshadowed by faith and love. But a tripod will not stand without all three of its legs, each as strong and sturdy as the other two. In our spiritual life, hope must be nurtured as much as faith and love.

Love would not be perfect without hope, for love always hopes. Faith, hope, and love, when brought together, bring assurance and certainty to life, enabling us to live confidently with God by our side.

Love always hopes. It is not pessimistic. It does not expect the one loved to fail, but to succeed. Selfless love hopes all things. It breathes a godly optimism which does not dwell on the problems of the past, but looks forward to the future with confidence and grace.

Hope is patient, resting on the promises of God, that He is working all things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. Love always hopes.

 

PRAYER:

 

Lord, I praise you, as I contemplate how your faithfulness stretches beyond the limits of time and space. Before the world we know began, you were present. Even now you sustain our world with your grace. Help me to grasp with assurance and with certainty that before the future arrives you are already there preparing it for us all. And so let me do each day what is pleasing in your eyes, in the hope and conviction that your Kingdom of love is the goal which awaits. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.