Someone once said that by faith we live in the past, by hope we live in the future, but by love we live in the present.
Faith connects us to the past, reminding us of God’s faithfulness throughout history, particularly in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This faith is not merely intellectual assent but a deep trust in God’s promises and actions in the past, giving us a foundation for the present. Faith allows us to learn from those who came before us and to imitate their perseverance. Remembering that we have been ransomed from a meaningless existence by Christ’s blood should inspire us to live in reverence. We have a “great cloud of witnesses” and can see how those who have gone before us have demonstrated their love for God.
Hope directs us toward the future, motivating us to persevere amidst present challenges. The hope of the Christian is centered on the return of Christ and the promise of eternal life, which purifies and transforms our current lives. This hope is not wishful thinking but a confident expectation based on God’s faithfulness, and it compels us to live righteously, in anticipation of the grace that will be brought to us when Jesus Christ is revealed. Hope also inspires us to seek the things above, to set our minds on heavenly matters, and to put to death the earthly desires within us.
Love, however, is the virtue that grounds us in the present moment, as love is the fulfillment of the law. It calls us to engage with the world and with others, reflecting God’s love in our actions. Love is not simply a feeling but a commitment to serve others and to meet their needs. Loving others as Christ loves us is a new commandment and a mark of being a disciple of Jesus. This love requires us to be compassionate, forgiving, and generous. This love should be without complaining, fervent, and covering a multitude of sins. Love is the driving motivation behind all actions, and it is the most important virtue.
This Lenten season is a time to examine the balance of faith, hope, and love in our lives.
- Are we rooted in the faith that recognizes God’s faithfulness in the past, and are we learning from the examples of those who have gone before us?
- Do we have a genuine hope that motivates us toward the future and informs our present choices?
- Are we actively showing love to those around us, reflecting God’s character and demonstrating our faith?
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
We come before You with hearts full of gratitude for Your faithfulness throughout history. By faith, we remember Your mighty works, especially the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Help us to trust deeply in Your promises and to draw strength from the examples of those who have gone before us. May our faith be a firm foundation, guiding us to live reverently and purposefully.
Lord, we look to the future with hope, confident in the return of Christ and the promise of eternal life. Let this hope purify and transform our lives, motivating us to persevere through present challenges. Teach us to set our minds on heavenly matters and to live righteously, anticipating the grace that will be revealed when Jesus comes again.
In the present moment, we seek to embody Your love. Fill our hearts with compassion, forgiveness, and generosity. Help us to serve others selflessly, reflecting Your love in all our actions. May our love be fervent and without complaint, covering a multitude of sins. Let it be the driving force behind everything we do, marking us as true disciples of Jesus.
During this Lenten season, we ask for Your guidance as we examine the balance of faith, hope, and love in our lives. Root us in faith, inspire us with hope, and ground us in love. May we always recognize Your faithfulness, be motivated by the hope of eternal life, and actively show love to those around us.
In Jesus’ name, we pray.
Amen.
Recent Comments