That You May Have Hope

For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope. May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 15:4-6 NIV

When Pam and I married, we chose verse 6 – with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ –  to highlight our wedding day. It was a goal that we would work together toward oneness that would honor God. That sounds more altruistic than reality, but it has been our goal – we ARE for one another. Today, however, I would like to unpack some of the nuance of the context of the entire verses.

Let’s move backwards through the verses

• One voice – it is important that couples acquire common words and phrases and reject some words and phrases.
  • Words that align with our enemy, Satan, that kills, steals and destroys are out of bounds. I hate you, I will never forgive you, or divorce should not be directed toward one another – ever.
  • Words of life and unity are good and right. I love you, I will always be here for you. I am listening with my eyes and ears. We can do this together. I am proud of you. I forgive you. You are amazing. This list of phrases are important to be spoken, heard and written.
  • Words of Jesus are always helpful. Cast you care upon Me. I will never leave you nor forsake you. Abide in Me.
• One mind – verse 5 states that we should have the same attitude of mind that Jesus had. In context, these are thoughts of unity and harmony toward one another, even with those who offend or insult us.
  • This does not mean that we have to have the same exact thoughts. Rather, the principle of arranging our thoughts toward unity toward one another is important.
  • Attitude of mind is similar to the atmosphere or climate that hovers over your home. You prefer one another as more important than yourself. The flavor and smell of liking one another should permeate the aroma of your home.
  • You purpose to serve one another rather than list the ways that your own needs not getting met.
• Encouragement and Endurance – these two words are repeated in separate verses in which both are derived from the Scriptures and ultimately God.
  • Encouragement – reading the Bible should lead to encouragement. Even when we have messed up and gone astray we see that God extends mercy and grace to others in the Bible and He will do this for you.
  • Endurance – to be honest, just to say the word brings up images of the struggle of walking through pain. Other versions choose the word patience. It’s the opposite of quitting, turning back, not finishing, giving up. Paul indicates that the Scriptures, the words in our Bible, help us to keep going. We may not know how things will work out, but we can put one foot down in the direction of following Jesus’ lead and we can trust that this will be a good decision.
• Hope – Paul said that these scriptures teach us and lead us to hope. The context of this hope was directly tied to harmony in relationships.
  • Today may you have hope with your spouse. May forgiveness and repentance find its way into your hearts, your mind and conversations
  • Today may you have hope with your children and siblings. God knew of your strengths and weaknesses when he placed your children in your family. You have what it takes to lead and pray for them. Lean into your children with love when the walls are up. That’s how Jesus knocked on our door.
  • Today, may there be peace and harmony in your church which leads to hope. Bless those who curse you. Bless those who are stubborn. Bless those you don’t understand and who frustrate you. Bless them as part of your own body.
  • Today may you have hope in the lost. Jesus can transform them into His image as He is doing with you.

Hope is a voice, Jesus’ voice. Peter declared, “where else could we go, YOU alone have the words of life.” When you draw close to Jesus, you can hear the rhythm of hope. When you listen to His voice, hope calls you forward to His loving presence. When you look into His eyes, His unconditional love enfolds you with hope that He is in charge and that is a good thing.

May HOPE arise for you today.

Blessings Love y’all