It’s not an accident that the faith, hope and love are listed in this order.
The faith that only comes to us as a gift from God must be first, because without faith everything else of God remains out of reach.
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. (Hebrews 11:6)
Faith opens the door for the hope we find in Christ Jesus. If we have no faith, we certainly will not have the hope of eternity. And it is this hope that opens the door to love. Not worldly love, which is only superficial. This is referring to God’s perfect love that permeates the new fleshy heart He gave.
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13)
It’s a progression from faith (given by God) to hope (in God’s promises) to love (for God’s people).
Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. (Romans 5:5)
Where are you in the chain from faith, to hope, to God’s perfect love?
#LoveMatters