The Three Graces

1 Corinthians 13:9-1

And now there remain faith [abiding trust in God and His promises], hope [confident expectation of eternal salvation], love [unselfish love for others growing out of God’s love for me], these three [the choicest grace]; but the greatest of these is love.

Paul wrote this to the Church of Corinth addressing the problems that the members were having. The three gifts of grace are mentioned as part of their solution – faith, hope and love. Paul wanted to encourage the believers to live for Christ in a corrupt society. The Corinth Church faced issues that we can relate to; corruption within and around the church, idolatry, sin, feeling pressure to adapt to the ways of society, immorality, etc. The church was struggling with its environment and how to live a Christian lifestyle. What I found to be the most impressive and intriguing thing was how the solution to their current issues is found in Christian values and virtues. I will focus only on pairing the three gifts of graces. I encourage you to read the rest for yourself. The Word will only ever enrich your life. Without these virtues, life would be dark and dull. But praise the Lord; we can ask the Holy Spirit to pour faith, hope, and love on us daily! Most of us have heard this Scripture, but do we understand the power of the three graces. These three graces can carry us through the valleys and the across mountaintops. Applying faith, hope, and love to your life will change you perspective and clarity.

Faith is belief in the unseen. Living completely surrendered to Jesus and His perfect ways is how we place our trust and faith in Him alone. Faith is essential to our Christian walk. Faith, only in Jesus, gives us the gift of salvation. Faith in Jesus makes it possible to be in the right relationship with the Father. In Hebrews 11, we are taught about the triumph of faith! To triumph is to overcome and achieve a great victory. “Faith is the assurance (title deed, confirmation) of things hoped for (divinely guaranteed), and the evidence of things not seen…).” Now I want you to pause. Think about that issue, problem, and miracle that you are waiting for. Now ask the Holy Spirit to fill you up with fresh faith and then ask for more, a double portion of faith. Now say out loud, "Lord, I’m standing in complete faith for (insert your need). I place my trust in you and confidently wait for this to pass in my life!"

Genesis 50:21

"So now, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and support you and your little ones." So

he comforted them [giving them encouragement and Hope] and spoke [with kindness] to

their hearts.

Romans 5:4 describes hope as endurance, proven character (spiritual maturity), and confident assurance [of eternal salvation.] Hope is simply knowing God is with you and He is for you. Hope is trust. Hope is expectation. In the Old Testament and the New Testament, believers are encouraged to wait for God, hopefully, expectantly. In times of trouble, stand in hope. In times of joy, stand in hope. No matter the season, stand in hope. For our hope is placed in the Lord and so we will not be disappointed (Psalm 25:21). Watch out for despair, which is the opposite of hope. Now ask the Holy Spirit to pour out fresh hope over your mind, body, and spirit. Allow hope to breathe on any disappointments that you may have. Now say, "Lord, I’m waiting on you, and I will stand in hope that you are working all things out for my good. I place my hope in You alone!"

1 Corinthians 13:1

If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not [a] love [for others growing out of God’s love for me], then I have become only a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal [just an annoying distraction.]

1 Peter 4:8

Above all, have fervent and unfailing love for one another because love covers a multitude of sins [it overlooks unkindness and unselfishly seeks the best for others.]

Love is the greatest of all things. The Bible tells us that we have nothing if we do not have love. If we don’t act in love, then we accomplish nothing. The transforming power of love is life changing for all who encounter it. Praise God that we can have the capacity to love through the grace of God. True love changes everything; it melts the hardest of hearts, brings forth praises in the middle of the storm, etc. True love is a supernatural transaction; with the Holy Spirit, we can choose to love every time. Love is a selfless act of giving without the desire for a reward or recognition. Any act done in love with a pure heart is in alignment with Jesus. Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you up with fresh love. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you more grace to see and hear people coated in the Father’s love.

Look past the natural and to get aligned with the Lord. Get above the circumstance and see things from the Father's perspective. Allow these three virtues to infuse your spirit, mind and body. Allow these three virtues to change your attitude, your reactions and your actions. Allow the power of these three virtues to transform your life and to shine bright for Jesus.

Get equipped in the Word and join our online community. Be on the lookout for events and classes. Come join us for Wednesday evening online service. Get involved and serve! It is just a fantastic time for the believer!

Let's pray:

Holy Spirit, equip us with faith, hope and love. May our lives be a living testimony of the goodness of the Lord. Holy Spirit help us to clothe ourselves in the garments of faith, hope and love. Allow our lives and actions spark faith, hope and love in others. You alone are worthy of all the praise! In Jesus name, amen.