Faith, Hope, And Love - A Christmas Story
Faith, Hope, And Love - A Christmas Story
We have three cornerstones to our faith in action: Faith, hope, and love.
Faith is the confidence, trust, reliance, conviction, belief, assurance, devotion, and loyalty, knowing that God is who He says He is. The Bible is the complete and whole counsel of God. Inspired by God Himself. That Jesus not only is who He says He is but also did what He said He would do and does so each and every day. The Holy Spirit was sent from the Father in heaven to abide in us when we submit our lives to Him. The Holy Spirit in us is our strength, power, wisdom, and understanding. He gives us the power to follow God in every aspect. But, it is not enough to have faith. There must be more.
Hope is the confidence, expectation, optimism, anticipation, courage, hopefulness, faith in who we are, what we do, BECAUSE of what Jesus did for us. He broke Satan’s power over sin, death, and the grave. Jesus bought us the freedom to choose to follow Him or Satan. Not only did He buy our freedom with His life. The Father sent His Holy Spirit so we could have the power to say yes or no. We can choose we are no longer bound.
Love is the greatest of these three. It is the greatest because it shows us who God is. How He loves. How He acts. He shows us how, when we know Him, that we can be a reflection of God Himself.
“Love is patient; love is kind. It does not envy; it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others; it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails.”
I Corinthians 13:4-8 NIV
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“And now these three remain faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
I Corinthians 13:13 NIV
The Thessalonian believers were faithful in more than just their faith and trust in Jesus but they were a reflection of God to the people in their sinful and dangerous city. They were a reflection of God to a desperately sinful people.
Paul planted a seed. But, God was faithful. The Holy Spirit gave these people all that they needed to be a light in a nasty dark word. And a light they were.
When we believe in God, His Son Jesus, and the Holy Spirit we have everything we need to be a light in a world of terror, torment, and pain. It doesn’t matter what country you live in; the circumstances may be different but the outcome can be the same. When we are the reflection of God we bring love, light, hope, freedom, and grace to people whom deeply need Him.
There are those around us that need the Love that God provides. We don’t have to look too far to see pain, grief, loneliness, or fear around us. From young to old there is a sense of “aloneness” for many. Regardless of the circumstance of losing a job, a friend, a family member, financial calamity, or awareness of who we are in a tumultuous world.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
John 3:16 NIV
He did not come to condemn mankind He came to free mankind.
Jesus came to free the captive heart.
He came to bring hope, grace, and love. Love in action.
Christmas is about God’s abundant love for us. When we are a reflection of God, we reflect His love for mankind.
It takes time, energy, and intention to reach out to others. It is important to remind ourselves, if we are Jesus followers, that Jesus did whatever the Father said so that He could be a reflection of His Father to the world so they would know Him. Are we willing to be the representation of God? Jesus gives us the example by His life. I Corinthians 13 is our guidelines and the Holy Spirit the power and ability.
Today and through this week are you willing to slow down to see the needs around you? This week can you be a reflection of God to those in need.
Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year.
