The Word for today is found in Romans 5: 3-5

3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope: 5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. (KJV)

3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. (NIV)

There are three words that I want you to take note of in these three verses.

1) Hope
2) Patience
3) Love.

Faith has three cooperating powers that help your faith work more effectively.

Hope is the goal that you use your faith toward. God said without a vision (spiritual hope) my people will perish. You need to find out what God has planned for you to do and use your faith toward accomplishing it.

Next is patience, the one so many of us fall short of today. We are such a microwave generation that we want it now. God’s plan is for you to mature in the fruit of the spirit and the fruit must grow. Patience has to have a chance to develop in your life.

Then there is love. I am talking about the God-kind of love that was shed abroad in your heart by Christ Jesus. This is the agape-kind of God love. The love that says I will do for you with out any expectation of a return.

God gave Jesus even if few accepted him as their savior, not expecting anything in return.

We will return to the fruit of the spirit in another Scripture lesson, but love is the fruit of the spirit. Check it out and see how you’re growing, and what area you need to work on. It is found in Galatians 5: 22-23.

When you begin to develop in these areas then your faith will start to produce for you.

Be blessed today,

Pastor Louise