A Few Thoughts About Hope

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By J. L. Leifeste

Mankind hopes for a life after this earthly one. We find evidence of this hope from the mighty empires of ancient civilizations to the various beliefs of people around the world today. Happily, there is a true way for that hope to be realized. God’s word in the Holy Bible gives us that way.

Three Benefits

We will mention only three of the many benefits of true hope. First, our hope can lead us to the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is the only way to a happy life after earthly death (Jn. 11:25; 14:6; 15:1-7; Acts 4:12).

Second, our hope motivates us toward living the way God wants us to live. It strengthens us (Phil. 4:13; 1 Thess. 1:3). It moves us to study His word, which abundantly feeds us with the spiritual food of Christian values. Our hope helps us to exercise those values in the actions of this earthly life. Study expands our knowledge of God and Christ, as well as ourselves (Jn. 3:16; 13:34; Eph. 5:2; Phil. 3:8-14; Heb. 5:8-9; 1 Jn. 4:7-11). Our hope urges us to use this knowledge in many ways (Jn. 14:21; Rom. 13:14; Eph. 6:11-18). By learning of godly love and our part in it, our hope induces us to tell others of the gospel of Jesus Christ (Matt. 28:18-20; Mk. 16:15-16; Rom. 12:1-2).

Third, our hope helps us see our present and future blessings. It helps us see the blessings of this life and the wonderful reward of everlasting life with God after this earthly life (1 Cor. 2:9-10; 2 Cor. 4:17-18; Eph. 1:18-21). We can possess the avenue of prayer (speaking to God), the peace of mental comfort, and the tenacity of personal conviction (Rom. 5:1-11; 8:25-28; 15:4-5; Phil. 4:6-7; Heb. 3:6; 6:19).True hope from God has many qualities and accomplishes much. The above are only a few thoughts in fulfilling mankind’s age-old hope for a rewarding life after this earthly life.

We obtain this hope through obedient faith: “And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16).

We share this hope by teaching others: “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear” (1 Pet. 3:15).