Editor’s Note: The Apostle Paul emphasized the need for hope. Without a resurrected Jesus, we would be hopeless. In fact, the Bible reveals that hope is critical for almost all areas of living. If you want to change, it includes hope. What about encouragement? You need hope. Perseverance? You will need hope again. Almost any opportunity for longstanding joy and a God-glorifying, Christ-exalting life requires hope. The long-term biblical counselor and now missionary Wayne Mack wrote an excellent resource years ago where he discussed the importance of hope. In his helpful chapter on “Instilling Hope in a Counselee” from the excellent text Counseling: How To Counsel Biblically, Mack provides some key reminders on the biblical emphasis of hope. I believe regardless of where you are on your journey toward faithfulness in Jesus Christ, this can be helpful to you. I have edited it some to apply to more than simply the counseling process. So, here is Wayne Mack on the Importance of Hope.
The Importance of Hope
The Biblical Emphasis on Hope
The role of hope in the process of sanctification cannot be underestimated. Consider what Scripture says about its many contributions to that process:
- Hope produces joy that remains even through the most difficult trials (Prov. 10:28; Rom. 5:2–3; 12:12; 1 Thess. 4:13).
- Hope produces perseverance (Rom. 8:24–25).
- Hope produces confidence (2 Cor. 3:12; Phil. 1:20).
- Hope produces effective ministry (2 Cor. 4:8–18).
- Hope produces greater faith and love (Col. 1:4–5).
- Hope produces consistency (1 Thess. 1:3).
- Hope produces increased energy and enthusiasm (1 Tim. 4:10).
- Hope produces stability (Heb. 6:19).
- Hope produces a more intimate relationship with God (Heb. 7:19).
- Hope produces personal purity (1 John 3:3).
Since the Bible places such emphasis on the role of hope in spiritual growth, it must be a strong emphasis in our lives as well.
Consider How Hope Changes Your Outlook on Life and Living
The Christian’s cup in this world is never half empty—it is always half full. Christians are never in a no-win situation, but always in a no-lose situation, because even though we may not understand God’s reasons for whatever happens to us, we can know that He is accomplishing a grand divine plan that will ultimately glorify Him and benefit us.
Yes, hope is a powerful change agent. With hope people are inspired to do positive things, but without it they will flounder and fail. Mark it down and note it well: When people are not changing, nor are encouraged, perhaps they do not have hope—a solidly based biblical hope. We must never underestimate the importance of hope in living a Christ-centered, God-honoring life. For while we recognize that God is the ultimate hope giver (who provides hope through His Son, by His Spirit, and in His Word), at the same time, we realize that He also uses men and women to inspire and encourage the hopeless to find their hope in Him.
Therefore, as people who have hope, share it! Seek to take what hope you have from the Scripture, life in the body of Christ, and good God-honoring worship — then share it wildly!
Thank you, Wayne Mack, for your help on the importance of hope.
KevinCarson.com | Wisdom for Life in Christ Together