Inside our two wedding bands is the word Abide, followed by faith, hope, and love. These three words anchor our life, marriage, and family. On the good days and the rough days, in times of joy and struggle, we need to return to the truth that keeps us steady and standing on solid ground.
So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
1 Corinthians 13:13 (ESV)
To abide means to remain, to stay, to make our home. Jesus told His disciples, “Abide in Me, and I in you” (John 15:4 ESV). Faith, hope, and love will abide (remain) in our lives as we abide (remain) in Him.
Paul also wrote these three words to the church at Thessalonica. He thanked God for their “work of faith,” their “labor of love,” and their “steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thessalonians 1:3 ESV). Let’s examine each word.
Faith
Paul was afraid the tempter had lured the Thessalonian believers away from the truth of the Gospel, so he sent Timothy to check on them (1 Thessalonians 3:1-5). When Timothy returned with an excellent report on their faithful growth in the Lord, Paul wrote to encourage them.
…we have been comforted about you through your faith.
1 Thessalonians 3:7 (ESV)
The rest of this chapter should inspire our faith today. When we stand firm in the Lord, others are strengthened (v. 8) and filled with great joy (v. 9). We should thank the Lord for fellow believers’ strong faith and pray fervently for one another, asking the Lord to supply what may be lacking in our faith (v. 10).
Hope
The psalmist says his hope is in the One who protects, rescues, and listens to his cries. He paints a beautiful word picture of his personal relationship with the Lord.
For You, O Lord, are my hope, my trust, O LORD, from my youth.
Psalm 71:5 (ESV)
His hope and trust in the Lord have been a living message to others. He will continue to tell them how the Lord has provided him with strength and protection. Yes, he will proclaim the wondrous deeds of the Lord (v. 17).
Do you see the thread running through both passages? The Thessalonians’ strong faith encouraged Paul, and the psalmist’s hope in the Lord became an example to many (Psalm 71:7). When we hold on to faith and hope, our lives become a living testimony to the people around us.
Love
Let’s return to Paul’s words to the Thessalonians. He prays that their love for others will grow.
And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you.
1 Thessalonians 3:12 (ESV)
These words offer a beautiful opportunity for each of us. We should desire to grow in our love for others. In fact, our love ought to overflow. Think of a bucket of water filled to the brim, spilling over the top and generously watering the surrounding vegetation.
Paul tells us that love is the greatest of these three. One day, our faith will become sight, and every hope will be fulfilled when we see Jesus face to face (1 Corinthians 13:12). But “love never ends” (1 Corinthians 13:8 ESV). Love will remain forever.
Friends, these three words may seem short and simple, yet they offer great reward when we choose to live rooted in them.
Head to Heart
It is good practice for us to revisit these core anchors — faith, hope, and love.
Take time to consider each word. Where do you need to return to the Lord to seek His instruction, guidance, or renewed strength?
Faith – Are you growing in your knowledge of the Lord? If you are struggling, who might be able to help you get back on track?
Hope – Have life’s storms caused you to lose hope? You are not alone; many face hard seasons. Read Psalm 71 slowly and ask the Lord to renew your hope in Him alone.
Love – We are called to love others. How do you show love to the people around you each day? Paul reminds us, “Love is patient and kind” (1 Corinthians 13:4 ESV). Are you kind and patient? Do you offer care and compassion, along with an ear to listen?
Each time I look at my wedding band, I am reminded to abide in the Lord. I pray that these three words — faith, hope, and love — will remain in your heart this week.
Breath Prayer:
Inhale: Abide — faith, hope, and love
Exhale: Lord, I abide in You