The 3's Have It!

“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”- 1 Corinthians 13:13

Some of the best things in life come in threes. Superstar Steph Curry has revolutionized basketball with the three-point shot, making this once obscure play the most valued and utilized part of the game. For school, the teacher all but guarantees an amazing grade if the student focuses on three primary elements in their studies: class participation, assignments, and exam scores. Even our favorite meals have three elements to complete the menu: a sandwich, side dish, and beverage (or for fancier folks it is the appetizer, entrée, and dessert).

When it comes to our faith, the threes still have it! We know that the Eternal Godhead is Three Persons in One: God the Father who is our Creator; Jesus the Son who came to the world to give eternal life; and the Holy Spirit who is deposited in our hearts and guides us in the truth. We know that after Jesus’ death for our sins, on the third day He rose from grave, defeating death’s power and closing its doors of business (permanently)!

Another three that is an everyday essential are the ingredients Paul shares about in 1 Corinthians 13.

We are to place our FAITH IN JESUS. He is the answer for our daily lives, pressing needs, and greatest challenges. When Jairus was hit with the worst news any parent could receive, the death of his only child, Jesus reassures him in Mark 5:36, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.” We are to put our trust in our Savior to cover us, heal us, provide for us, and show us the best way.

We are to focus our HOPE ON JESUS. With all that is unfolding today and the countless unknowns of tomorrow, we need to fix our sight and thoughts on heaven, on the eternal, on the promises our Savior has spoken that will come to pass. In John 14:1-2 Jesus says, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in Me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?”

We are to walk in the LOVE OF JESUS. This may the hardest of the three. We are called to love people the way Christ loved us. We need to extend love, grace, mercy, and compassion to everyone, no matter how different they seem, how difficult they are, and how much we disagree with their viewpoints. 1 Peter 4:8 tells us, “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”

Let’s take hold of the threes, allowing Faith, hope, and love to bring out the best in us.