Love as Brethren – Hopeth all things

Hello everyone,

How are you doing on this day? I hope well and bubbling in the Lord. 

Primary Text

“Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren …” 1 Peter 3v8 (KJV)

It’s interesting and insightful that one of the characteristics of love is that it “hopeth all things.” (1 Corinthians 13v6). Other versions say “always hopes” (NIV); “is always hopeful” (NLT); “its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances” (AMP); “Never looks back” (MSG). Hope could mean “the feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best” (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/hope?s=t). Looking at this definition of hope, it is easy to be able to see how 1 John 4v8 (KJV) saying “He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love” works out. For He who knows God and knows His name and His Word, is able to be hopeful that things will work out fine, knowing that in all things God works together for the good of those who love Him and are the called according to His purpose (Romans 8v28). Imagine a person without hope, it might be hard to get along with them or enjoy being in their presence. But love being hopeful is able to put on a bold face during tough situations with our fellow brethren or even in the family. Abraham is one person which Romans 4v18-21 (AMP) says “[For Abraham human reason for] hope being gone, hoped in faith that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been promised, So [numberless] shall your descendants be. He did not weaken in faith when he considered the [utter] impotence of his own body, which was as good as dead because he was about a hundred years old, or [when he considered] the barrenness of Sarah’s [deadened] womb. No unbelief or distrust made him waver (doubtingly question) concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong and was empowered by faith as he gave praise and glory to God, Fully satisfied and assured that God was able and mighty to keep His word and to do what He had promised.” Love hopeth all things, and here, Abraham even hoped despite of not having anything to hope for. So we can walk in love towards our brethren, even when it doesn’t seem like a hopeful thing. Be encouraged!

Supplementary Text

“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because He has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with His love.” Romans 5v3-5 (AMP)

Father, I thank You for Your love for me. Thank You for because in tough situations, we can rejoice, because they are building endurance, strength of character and strengthening our hope in salvation, and hope will not lead to disappointment. Thank You for Your love that is shed abroad in our hearts by Your Spirit, in Jesus name, amen.