June 26, 2020 (Friday)
“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love” (1 Corinthians 13:13 NIV)
This verse from the Bible is often quoted and is a strong reminder of the importance of Love, which is the greatest thing in the world. The three — faith, hope and love — go together and influence each other.
Think about it.
We are saved by faith in Jesus as Savior and Lord. When we believe, He saves. Salvation brings eternal life, which becomes our hope. We want others to know Christ and have hope; that is love. Three remain: faith, hope and love.
Faith brings hope and hope strengthens faith. Christian love overflows from one whose faith and hope must be shared with others. Three remain: faith, hope and love.
Belief in Jesus is our basic faith. This belief involves commitment to Jesus Christ as Lord, who commanded us to share our faith and to love one another. Three remain: faith,hope and love.
So there you have it. Faith influences Hope and Love; Hope influences Faith and Love; Love influences Faith and Hope. It all goes together. These virtues support and strengthen each other. Paul speaks about Love and its importance throughout the 13th chapter of 1 Corinthians, yet when he summarizes, he cannot leave out Faith and Hope because all three are vital in the Christian’s life. And they depend upon each other.
If called upon to explain your religious beliefs, Faith, Hope and Love make an excellent outline for you to explain the importance of faith, the joy of Hope, and the power of Love. What do I believe, you ask? Well, I believe in Jesus as the Son of God who changed my life and gave me hope of life after death, and empowers me to love others, sharing with them the good news of a Savior for all.
(The words sung differ slightly from the words printed below)
My Faith Has Found A Resting Place
Words, Eliza E. Hewitt
MusicAndré E. M. Grétry
arr. by William J. Kirkpatrick
1891
My faith has found a resting place,
Not in device nor creed;
I trust the Ever-living One,
His wounds for me shall plead.
Chorus:
I need no other argument,
I need no other plea;
It is enough that Jesus died,
And that He died for me.chorus
Enough for me that Jesus saves,
This ends my fear and doubt;
A sinful soul I come to Him,
He’ll never cast me out. chorus
My great Physician heals the sick,
The lost He came to save;
For me His precious blood He shed,
For me His life He gave.chorus