FRIDAY October 18, 2024

Faith, Love and Hope

...since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of your love for all the saints; because of the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, of which you heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel....
Colossians 1:4-5

Clearly the Colossian church had a steadfast faith, despite those trying to sow discord through their heresies. What was evident in the lives of the Colossians? It was their love of Christ expressed from their hearts toward other believers. Love is a true characteristic of a Christian. Jesus told His disciples that love was an identifying mark of true Christianity: “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35).

There are three important words mentioned in these verses––faith, love and hope. These are three essential characteristics in the life of a believer. You will notice that faith, love and hope are three words that are often coupled together in Scripture.

Sinners come to faith in Jesus Christ as they trust Him for their salvation. They have taken the first step of faith, and then their faith grows. Once saved, they love Him because of all He has done for them: We love Him because He first loved us (1 John 4:19). Those who have sinned more love Him the most (Luke 7:47). As we love Christ, we love others around us with God’s love––His agape, unconditional love.

Finally, the Gospel message gives great hope to those who take hold of salvation. It will not disappoint Christians: Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us (Romans 5:5). We have a hope in what God has planned for our lives (Jeremiah 29:11), and a hope of eternal life: ...in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began... (Titus 1:2).

We must never, ever lose heart, because we wait for the hope which is laid up in heaven for us.

You know, eternal life does not start when we go to heaven. It starts the moment you reach out to Jesus. He never turns His back on anyone. And He is waiting for you....
~Corrie ten Boom~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!