PATIENCE OF HOPE

“Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and PATIENCE of HOPE in our Lord Jesus Christ...” – 1 Thessalonians 1:3a

In addition to Hope producing fruits of Joy and Peace, Scriptures refer to the PATIENCE of HOPE: “We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and PATIENCE of HOPE in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father” (1The.1: 2-3). Other Bible versions translate the “Patience of Hope” as: “steadfastness of hope” (English Standard Version); “endurance inspired by hope” (New International Version); “perseverance of hope” (New American Standard Bible); and “enduring hope” (New Living Translation). An apt summary would be: Faith works; Love labours; and HOPE is PATIENT.

Paul prayed often for the saints in Thessalonica and gave joyful thanks as he recalled unceasingly the godly qualities they displayed, that honoured the Lord. He remembered them as he prayed to God the Father, as Jesus taught (Lk.11:2). The name “Father” reflects God's Love and care, and encourages us to trust Him. Paul remembered three supreme abiding principles his readers displayed, which are cited in 1 Corinthians 13:13 as being enduring and admirable: “And now abide FAITH, HOPE, LOVE, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” I term them: Three Cornerstones of Christianity. Believers at Thessalonica demonstrated faith that worked, and had resulted in repentance (v.9). Their love for Jesus had caused them to toil for Him. Their hope in Christ's return had produced steadfast endurance of persecution.

Paul thanked God on behalf of the Thessalonian Believers, for their work which was energized by FAITH, their service which was motivated by LOVE, and their unwavering HOPE in the return of the Lord Jesus Christ. He constantly kept this community of maturing Christians in his heart and it was with deep affection that he remembered the three spiritual gifts and graces that were manifested in their lives. Their works of faith were not the dead works of the Law or the barren works of carnality, but accomplished through the power of the indwelling Spirit. Their labour of love was not a fluctuating, emotional love, based on fleshly feelings or stimulated by sentimentality. Love for the Lord is a sacred sacrifice of earnest praise and gratitude for all that God has done for us, through Christ. All we are and all we have is from Him!

The PATIENCE of HOPE was the third virtue of the Thessalonians: The steadfastness of their Hope in the Lord Jesus. His hope in the many precious promises and the blessed expectation of His soon return was not founded on empty optimism or a lackadaisical, wishful-thinking attitude. It is the unshakable confidence in the knowledge that God’s Word is true. And though we may have to wait for the fulfilment of His promises and ultimate return – they will surely come to pass. When with patience, we steadfastly hope in the Lord and stand firm on His promises, we have an inner-assurance in His Word. Our Steadfast Hope in the Lord is the unshakable conviction that the Bible is true and sure.

Patience is a grace that only develops through the gruelling school of life, and is only perfected as we become increasingly transformed into Christ’s likeness. Patience of Hope is built on Christ’s righteousness and promises: “looking for the BLESSED HOPE and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ” (Tit.2:13). Hope looks forward to and expects something good, based on God’s promises. Hope enables our Faith and Love to endure, and Faith in Christ drives us to obey His commands in love. Like the Thessalonians, we can have Testimonials of the Transforming Power and Patience of Hope: “how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come” (vv.9-10).