A lovely watercolor plaque hangs in my room reminding me of a very important truth, “Love Never Fails”. In the background of this beautiful wall art, the full chapter of 1 Corinthians 13 is barely visible in a pretty script.
I chose this reminder for my wall very particularly. I benefit so much from encouraging words, positive talk, and God’s Word. These words stretch me, inspire me and bring me peace in life’s busyness.
As I got up the other morning and read the plaque, my thoughts landed on the passage that goes something like, “believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things.” …Hopes all things – really – was that right? I decided to read the Love chapter specifically and find out if I was remembering it correctly.
Hopes all Things
As I turned to the right page and began reading the passage, the familiar words echoed in my mind. I’ve memorized the chapter more than once, though not recently.
{Love} bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
There it was in verse 7, love hopes all things! I decided to take things a step further. When I really want to glean more depth from a verse I will often cross reference or switch translations. As I switched to a different translation, I found the words come even more alive on the page!
Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
These words brought tears to my eyes. Ooh, to love like this. Just knowing that this is merely a hint of the love that God shows us. So powerful!
Applying it to Life
This single, familiar verse had such an impact on me on several different levels. But let’s just talk about the part about hope.
Obviously, since my name is Hope, this word stands out as special to me. It is a very real part of why I do what I do. Hope fuels me and I want to share that hope with others!
Let’s grab two takeaways from that verse: Love hopes all things and Love is always hopeful.
Just reading these words again fills me with gratitude. Hope is a good and beautiful thing. It’s closely related to love and is essential for life. I need these reminders frequently.
Sometimes when new opportunities come along I can feel disillusioned or burned out. Yes, that would be incredible if things worked out. But what if, just like the last forty-seven times, the outcome isn’t what I imagined and hoped? Am I foolish for expectantly looking ahead with hope and high expectations?
I’ve truly wondered this many, many times. It is said that the definition of insanity is trying the same thing over and over and expecting different results. Is my trying at something over and over – granted, coming at it from different directions – insanity?
Maybe you have found yourself wondering this same thing. Be it with your schooling, your work, your relationships, or your children – any dimension of your life. I’m here to tell you and to remind myself that no, we are not foolish to have that surge of hope, that this could be it feeling that we get when a new opportunity or a new potential solution is presented to us!
Love hopes all things and love is always hopeful.
These words are powerful and like a salve on my heart. It’s good to be filled with hope. We should be hopeful in all things. All things, not just the obvious or the logical. We must live life hopefully and expectantly!
I pray these words encourage your heart as they have encouraged mine. Struggles and trials are a part of life, but we have God’s Word to fill us with hope.
Until Next Time!
Hope.
PS. I’m thinking my word for 2020 will be hope. I’ve loved – and needed – this reminder so much, and I want to thoroughly internalize it. What’s your word for 2020? Need an idea? https://www.theamericanlady.com/2017/05/31/choosing-your-word-of-the-year/