By 
Faith, Hope, and Love—the three go together like girlfriends and laughter! What would life be without this biblical triad? Faith, Hope, and Love not only provide the foundation for a meaningful life, but also express the true essence of the Christian life.
A fresh encounter with 1 Corinthians 13, the definitive passage on this triad, offers new insights for my faith journey.
FAITH
When Paul wrote about faith that can move mountains (1 Corinthians 13:2), he referenced a common proverb among the Corinthians. However, when I sought to exercise the faith to move a mountainand the mountain did not move, I wondered what I misunderstood about the power of faith.
Applying an exegetical perspective reveals that instead of instructing us to have faith that can move mountains, Paul teaches that a faith strong enough to overcome mountainous obstacles lacks eternal value unless it is offered in love. This passage instructs me to APPLY my faith rather than exhorting me to increase my faith. Failure to move a mountain was not a personal failure of faith.
HOPE
Exploring various contexts for biblical hope further expanded my understanding of this multifaceted emotion.
I discovered I haveEternal, Living Hope through my relationship with the living Savior, Jesus Christ. Because of this relationship, I can embrace hope for my own eternal life with Him. Peter wrote, Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead (1 Peter 1:3).
Trusting God for His help, mercy, and grace lives out Expectant Hope. I cling to this hope for issues of my heart and for specific needs. Paul referenced this when writing to the Colossian believers: the faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven (Colossians 1:5).
I experience Wishful Hope when desiring a sunny day for a picnic or a soccer game win. King Herod expressed this type of hope when Jesus stood before him. Luke wrote that Herod hoped to see (Jesus) perform a sign of some sort (Luke 23:8). This wishful hoping has played an active role in many of my prayers.
Redemptive Hope trusts God’s ability to redeem all things for His glory, including the hardships in my life. Redemptive hope directs my faith to the promise of Romans 8:28. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
LOVE
Scripture incorporates four Greek words to define shades of love: eros (romantic love), philia (brotherly love), agape (sacrificial love desiring another’s highest good), and storge (familial love).
Fine tuning my understanding of Paul’s concluding comments on love redirects my heart. I had interpreted Paul’s phrase love never fails (v.8) to mean if I loved enough, then love would never fail to fix whatever relationship issue I might face. However, the phrase never fails actuallymeans it will never end or cease. Faith and hope will persevere until Christ’s return. But God’s agape love, the greatest gift, will continue for all eternity!
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love (1 Corinthians 13:13).
Father, thank you for being our source of authentic Faith, Hope, and Love through the power of the Holy Spirit. Fill us with your joy and peace as we entrust our lives, our futures, and our hearts to you. Continue to renew our faith and trust in you as you guide us into the treasures of your Word. May the power of your redemption allow our challenges and losses to shape our hearts and to bring you glory and honor for all eternity. Amen.
All Scripture quotations are from the NIV 1973, 1978, 1984.
Linda Lesniewski
Linda served as Women’s Minister at Green Acres Baptist Church in Tyler, TX for 24 years. She has authored "A Little Book About Knowing a Big God" for children; "Women at the Cross" and "Connecting Women: A Guide for Leaders in Women’s Ministry", by Revell; as well as "His Story My Story", a digital download available from LifeWay. Linda enjoys spending time with her four young adult children and six granddaughters. She has served on the Womenary Board of Directors for many years.
You can contact Linda at lindalesniewski49@gmail.com. 
