1 Corinthians 13:7 *"...always trusts, always hopes...*" NIV
LOVE HOPES
I read the story of a man who planted mango seeds. He watered dry soil for months.Nothing happened. Neighbours laughed at him but he kept watering until the day a small green leaf sprouted.
That small green leaf grew into a big mango tree everyone ate from. What do you think kept him all the years his mango seed did not sprout? It is hope. Others may quit watering a seed that has refused to grow in years but hope kept him.
What is hope? Hope is confident expectation. It is not wishful thinking. It is confidence in God's ability even when it seems things are not working as planned. Those who love God will always hope in God believing that He will fulfill His promise.
Hebrews 6:18-19 says, *"So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. [19] This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary*"(NLT).
Love doesn’t write people off. The prodigal son’s father hoped. Every day he looked down the road waiting see If his son will return home. Eventually, he returned. We can hope for a change even from the worst person except Satan.
We preach to the vilest sinner hoping for a change of heart. Any preacher whose love lacks hope will become cold about souls. He may give up If he sees no result. What do you think made Noah to keep preaching for 120 years without relenting even when he had no convert? I think it is hope.
Even when your child, friend, or spouse fails, love says “I still believe God can change you.” If you are married to a difficult spouse or one of your children has become wayward, do not stop praying.
The greatest picture of "Love hopes" is the Cross. Jesus died on the cross with the hope that sinners will come to Him. He endured all that pain because His love for sinners hope for their change and transformation.
Father, teach me to love like you in Jesus name.