Colossians 1:5. "For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the Gospel;"
THE HOPE. Faith and love have another friend that makes one's life complete.
Each one of these triplets is unique, they never do compete. Faith opens a door to things unseen and previously unknown. Love then steps in and through its ways, faith is plainly shown.
But there is one more part to this that has to do with motivation. Faith and love have another kin that affects our destination. This testing time; this training time has another time in view. There is a positive hope laid up when life on earth is through.
The tribulation and difficulties of this life are temporary. Faith and love; hope also, sails in the face of winds contrary. These three together go upstream while other things drift down. Faith is the engine that gives the power, love takes away the frown.
Hope though, shines brightly through the night showing the way home. Its light pierces through the gloom that because of sin, has come. It gives faith and love direction and keeps us from obstacles. And keeps reminding the other two, of the harbor ahead that calls.
Hope sings the songs of Zion that lift the hearts of men. Hope takes the words of faith and applies them to the problem of sin. It makes us look beyond the present temptation to the goal. It makes unseen things of faith become real to the soul.
Hope tells of a Savior who waits to welcome travelers home. It tells of our heavenly Father who invites all men to come. Hope tells of a sinless state where the sins of the past are done. And all those enemies that stood in the way forevermore are gone.
Hope tells of the saints of God we knew who by death were taken away; Who we shall see and be united again in that unclouded day. Hope stirs the heart to holy living because at any time - Faith will give way to sight as we move into heaven's clime.
"It certainly is true Father, that hope purifies. The effect of knowing the Lord is coming and that we may see Him today, certainly makes all the temptations around lose their appeal. Keep me from sin today I pray, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."