TEXT: I Corinthians 13:7c

SUBJECT: What love is #12: Hopeful

"Love...hopes all things" says the Apostle. What does he mean? "To hope" is to expect something good from God. It differs from wishful thinking or optimism because it is built on something--something real. What is it? The promise of God.

Abraham is an example of hope. He and his wife were a promised a son in their old age. By human standards, the promise could not be kept. But so what? A human hadn't made it. And so, as he neared his hundredth birthday, Abraham "against hope believed in hope...and became the father of many nations".

He expected something good from God. And he wasn't disappointed.

The object of this "hope" is "all things". In general, we're to trust all of God's promises to come true. But that's not the present meaning. Here it stands for the weaknesses and the sins of our brothers and sisters in Christ.

And so: When others disappoint us do us wrong, instead of giving up on them, we're to "hope" that God will change them for the better.

It's much easier to despair than it is to hope. But this chapter doesn't call for "the easy life", but "the loving life".

Does "hoping all things" make us blind to the facts? Some say it does, others say it does not. Before we weigh in on the subject, we have to ask: "What are the facts"?

Let's begin with the obvious one: Believers are far, far, far from perfect. Everyone is weak; no one is free from sin. Abraham was not the ideal husband, was he? Jacob was selfish and cunning. Moses could lose his temper. David had an eye from pretty girls. Peter could play the hypocrite. Even Paul confessed his covetousness and pride.

If this were the only fact, we would agree that "hoping all things" is stupid.

But is it the only fact? It is not; is it the most important fact? No. The other facts are:

Every believer is chosen by God the Father. Why has He chosen us? Ephesians 1:4 has it: "...that we might be holy and without blame".

Every believer is redeemed by God the Son. Why has He done that? Titus 2:14 explains: "...that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify for Himself a peculiar people, zealous for good works".

Every believer is indwelt by the Holy Spirit. Why is He there? Romans 8:26 says, "The Spirit helps our infirmities".

It seems, in short, that God is doing something in us, that He's making us holy. He hasn't finished the job yet, but He's working on it! He is putting our old ways to death; He's forming a new man.

And so: "Hoping all things" is not blind optimism. It is but faith in the purpose and power of God. Romans 4:21: "Being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform".

Pessimism toward other believers has its reasons, of course, but is, in fact, only an excuse for not loving them. The excuse may work for now; it won't work forever.

Two Tests

"Hoping all things" is not as easy to detect as "going to church", for example. One is quite obvious, the other a bit more subtle. This doesn't mean, however, that you can't know. Two tests will help you determine whether you "hope all things" or not. Each one assumes that some believers aggravate you and tempt you to give up on them.

And so: Are you hoping all things? Or have you given up on others?

What are the benefits of "hoping all things"?

"Hoping all things" will bless the people who disappoint you. There is nothing worse than hurting someone--and having no chance to make up for it. Ever got "the silent treatment"? What was its effect? Did it humble you or stimulate you to good works? I suspect it didn't. If you're anything like me, it discouraged you and left you guilty, frustrated, and maybe resentful.

But if we "hope all things" we give others a second chance--and a third and fourth one too. Maybe even "seventy times seven" chances. What will this do for them? It will "provoke them to love and good works".

"Hoping all things" will create the atmosphere we need for church life. It allows people to "mess up" without being "written off". Above me, you can read the motto of this church: "By God's Grace--To God's Glory". This is very good. But I can think of another good one: "Messing up--Allowed Here". Why? Because the opposite of "messing up" is not "doing everything right", but "doing nothing at all". When we "hope all things" , we allow others to "grow in the grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ". And this--in part--is what we're here for.

"Hoping all things" will be good for you. Why? Because your "hope" will one day be fulfilled. You will see others repent; you will see them grow in grace. Not at the rate you may want, but see it, you will. For "He who has begun a good work in [them] will perform it until the Day of Jesus Christ". And this will do you good. "Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when the desire comes, it is a tree of life!" (Proverbs 13:12).

We all want to "hope all things", but sometimes, it's awfully hard. You're frustrated with me; I'm frustrated with you. It's easier to give in to despair than to live in hope. Yet there is hope for hope. How do we increase our hope?

Remember Who changes people for the better. It is not they; it is not us; it is not time; it is not "things". It is the God who says, "Is anything too hard for the LORD?" When it comes to theology, we say, "No!" But when it comes to church life? We're not so sure. We're not hoping in our knuckleheaded friends to change themselves, but in Almighty God to change them!

Remember, He not only can change people for the better, but He has done it. People in the Bible can be cited. John, that "Son of Thunder" became the "Apostle of love". Peter, the man who chickened out in front a girl, went on to face a mob with the words, "With wicked hands, you have taken [Messiah] and crucified Him". Mark the unreliable, became "profitable for ministry". If God can changes these weak and sinful believers, He can do the same with those people who irk us.

Remember that God has changed you. Maybe you're not what you ought to be, but you're also, not what you were. God has sanctified you. Now, are you any more pliable than anyone else? Any more "willing to do His will" than others? No, you're not! If God can change you for the better, He can change others too.

Remember God's promise. He not only offers to make His people holy, but swears to do it. And "God cannot lie". Thus, He will make them holy. That lazy brother will grow in zeal; that proud sister will grow in humility; that ignorant church will grow in knowledge. Why? Not because of something in them, but something outside of them--the Promise of God, which cannot be broken. And will not be forgotten.

And so: Because of God, we can "hope all things". I pray we will, for Christ's sake. Amen.