Hope (Attitude)
Hope is the pillar of mental health. (Ps 42:11)
Hope is the second of a threesome of immovable pillars. (1Co 13:13)
Hope is a present comfort due to an expectated, beneficial future event. (Ro 8:24 for the unseen, Php 1:20 earnest expectation)
Hope - "A desire of some good, accompanied with at least a slight expectation of obtaining it, or a belief that it is obtainable. hope differs from wish and desire in this, that it implies some expectation of obtaining the good desired, or the possibility of possessing it. hope therefore always gives pleasure or joy; whereas wish and desire may produce or be accompanied with pain and anxiety." (Webster's Dictionary 1828)
Hope is the enabler of longsuffering/endurance, which is one of the fruits of the Spirit. (Ac 14:22 continue in the faith, Gal 5:22 longsuffering, Php 1:29 suffering, Heb 6:11 enduring hope, 1Pe 1:13 enduring hope)
Hope is our helmet that protects our mind. (1Th 5:8)
Hope is an anchor for our soul. (Heb 6:17-19 sure and stedfast)
We hope in God. (Ps 33:22, Jer 17:7, 1Pe 1:21)
We hope in God's word. (Ps 119:147, Ps 130:5)
We hope in God's mercy. (Ps 33:18,19, Ps 130:7)
We are saved by hope. (Ro 8:24)
Hope is intimately connected with the love pillar. (1Co 13:7 charity [love] hopeth all things)
Our hopes are motivated by reason and evidence. (1Pe 3:15 reason of the hope that is in you)
Our hopes affect our mental health. (Pr 13:12)
The Bible emphasizes the mental domain.
In the Bible, many key concepts refer to the mental domain, including:
acknowledgment (Pr 3:6), anger (Eph 4:26 +, Eph 4:31 -), belief (Ro 10:9,10), bitterness (Eph 4:31), cares (1Pe 5:7), compassion (1Jn 3:17), confidence (Heb 10:35), conscience (Ro 2:15), contentment (Heb 13:5), coveting (1Co 14:39 +, Ex 20:17 -), desire (1Co 14:1 +, Eph 2:3 -), discernment (Mt 16:3), distress (Ps 120:1), doubt (Mt 14:31), envy (Gal 5:21), faith (Gal 2:16), fear (Jude 1:23 +, Pr 3:25 -), forgiveness (Mt 6:12), frowardness (Pr 6:14), gentleness (Gal 5:22), goodness (Gal 5:22), greed (Isa 56:11), hatred (Jude 1:23 +, Gal 5:20 -), heart (Heb 4:12), hope (1Th 5:8), humility (Mic 6:8), intentions (Heb 4:12), jealousy (Ro 11:11 +, Pr 6:34 -), joy (Gal 5:22), judgment (Jn 7:24 +, Mt 7:1-5 -), knowledge (Pr 24:5), longsuffering (Gal 5:22), love (Gal 5:22), lust (Jas 1:14,15), malice (Col 3:8), meekness (Mt 5:5), memory (Ps 145:7, 1Co 15:2), mercy (Mic 6:8), mind (1Co 2:16), peace (Gal 5:22), remembering (Ex 20:8), sin (1Jn 3:4), soberness (1Pe 5:8), temperance (Gal 5:23), temptation (Mt 6:13), thoughts (Pr 12:5 +, Mt 15:19 -), trust (Pr 3:5,6), understanding (1Jn 5:20), will (Rev 3:20), wisdom (Jas 1:5), wrath (Eph 4:31)
Our conscious mind is our prime mover.
Our body has two minds: a conscious mind and an unconscious/subconscious mind.
Our conscious mind is our prime mover. (Pr 23:7 as he thinketh in his heart, so is he)
Our conscious mind makes free-will choices. (Jos 24:15)
Our conscious mind makes voluntary movements.
Through our conscious mind, we impact our world.
Through our conscious mind, we react to our world. (Da 1:8)
Conscious choices and behaviors that violate immutable, health laws result in physical, mental, and/or spiritual disease. (Ge 2:16,17 original health law, Dt 30:15-19 blessings and curses, Pr 26:2 the curse causeless shall not come (cause and effect), Gal 6:7 we reap what we sow)
experiences <=> conscious thoughts <=> beliefs <=> values <=> feelings <=> words (Ps 116:10,11, 2Co 4:13), behaviors (Pr 4:23) <=> outcomes
Our unconscious/subconscious mind controls/regulates/coordinates a myriad of autonomic processes.
As in everything else, there is an intimate interrelationship between these two minds.
Conscious mental imbalances in areas such as distress, anxiety, depression, anger, and bitterness can negatively affect unconscious nervous processes, resulting in disease.
Our hopes affect all our thoughts! (Ps 16:8,9 rest in hope, Ps 31:24 good courage, Ps 71:14 hope continually, Ps 119:43 hope in God's judgments, Ps 119:74 hope in God's word, Pr 14:32 hope about death, Ro 5:5 God will not disappoint us., Rev 22:12 Jesus is coming again soon!)
Fulfilled prophecies give us hope for the future.
Fulfilled prophecies give us hope for future prophecies. (Isa 42:9, Jn 14:28,29, Jn 13:18,19, Ro 15:4)
Hope for future prophecies gives us hope for the future. (Am 3:7)
Examples: Prophecies of the nations. (Da 2:1-49)
Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, Rome, Europe, Jesus' eternal kingdom.
Examples: The 70 weeks (490 years) prophecy. (Da 9:24-27)
The exact prediction of Jesus' baptism and death, and the rejection of the gospel by the Jewish leaders.
69 weeks (483 years, 457 BC - 27 AD, note that there was no year 0) plus 1 week (7 years, 28 AD - 34 AD)
Note: The day-to-year principle is the key to unlock prophetic time. (Nu 14:34, Eze 4:6)
Examples: The 1,260 days (years) prophecy. (Da 7:25, Da 12:7, Rev 11:2,3, Rev 12:6,14, Rev 13:5)
The great tribulation of God's people in the dark ages.
1,260 years (538 AD - 1798 AD)
Examples: Prophecies of Jesus first coming. (Lk 24:27)
Over 50 fulfilled prophecies, including the following 25:
Jesus was born of a virgin. (Isa 7:14 => Mt 1:23, Lk 1:26-31)
Jesus was born in Bethlehem. (Mic 5:2 => Lk 2:4-7)
Jesus escaped the slaughter of the infants. (Jer 31:15 => Mt 2:16-18)
Jesus fled to Egypt. (Hos 11:1 => Mt 2:14,15)
Jesus had a Galilean ministry. (Isa 9:1,2 => Mt 4:12-16)
Jesus entered Jerusalem on a young donkey. (Zec 9:9 => Mt 21:1-5)
Jesus entered the temple. (Mal 3:1 => Mt 21:12)
Jesus performed healing miracles. (Ps 146:8, Isa 29:18,19 => Mk 8:22-26)
Jesus spoke in parables. (Ps 78:2 => Lk 8:9,10)
Jesus calmed the sea. (Ps 89:8,9 => Mt 8:23-27)
Jesus was hated in spite of His innocence. (Ps 35:19, Ps 69:4 => Jn 15:24,25)
Jesus was rejected by His own people (the Jews). (Isa 53:3 => Jn 1:11, Lk 23:18-21)
Jesus died for our sins. (Isa 53:8 => Mt 20:28)
Jesus was betrayed for 30 pieces of silver and the money was used to buy a potter's field. (Zec 11:12,13 => Mt 26:14,15, Mt 27:5,7)
Jesus was forsaken by His disciples. (Zec 13:7 => Mt 26:31,56, Mk 14:50)
Jesus was crucified. (Ps 22:14-16, Isa 49:16, Zec 12:10, Zec 13:6 => Lk 23:33, Jn 20:27)
Jesus was counted as a criminal. (Isa 53:9,12 => Mk 15:27,28, Lk 23:33)
Jesus' garments were gambled. (Ps 22:18 => Mt 27:35, Jn 19:24)
Jesus cried out, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" (Ps 22:1 => Mt 27:46)
Jesus prayed for His enemies. (Ps 109:3-5 => Lk 23:34)
Jesus' bones were not broken. (Ex 12:43,46, Nu 9:12, Ps 34:20 => Jn 19:32-36)
Jesus' side was pierced. (Zec 12:10 => Jn 19:34)
Jesus was buried with the rich. (Isa 53:9 => Mt 27:57-60)
Jesus was resurrected. (Ps 16:10, Ps 49:15 => Mk 16:4-6, Ac 2:29-32)
Jesus ascended to heaven. (Ps 68:18, Ps 110:1 => Mk 16:15,16,19, Lk 24:50-52, Ac 1:8-11)
Faith in God gives us hope for the future.
God has demonstrated His perfect character through His past actions. (Ps 145:7-9)
God has demonstrated His unlimited power through His past actions. (Dt 4:32-35)
God is faithful, consistent, and reliable. (Nu 23:19, Dt 7:9, 2Ti 2:13)
Faith in God gives us hope for the future. (Jer 29:11 to give you an expected end)
Note that the future includes the rest of today. (Heb 13:8)
We see that hope is intimately connected with the faith pillar. (Gal 5:5 hope of righteousness by faith, 2Th 2:16 good hope through grace)
Examples:
Abraham followed God, even though he did not know where he was going. (Heb 11:8)
Abraham believed that, with God, he would become the father of many nations. (Ro 4:16-18 who against hope believed in hope)
Joshua and Caleb believed that, with God, Israel could (and did) defeat giants. (Nu 14:6-9)
David believed that, with God, he could (and did) defeat the giant Goliath. (1Sa 17:36,37)
Three Hebrew youths believed that, with God, they could be (and were) delivered from a fiery furnace. (Da 3:16-18)
Daniel believed that, with God, he could be (and was) delivered from a den of lions. (Da 6:7-10)
Ezekiel believed that, with God, he could prophesy to a valley of dry bones and God could (and will) raise and restore them to full, fleshly life. (Eze 37:1-13)
A blind man believed that, with God, he could (and did) regain his sight. (Lk 18:35-43)
Lazarus' sister believed that, with God, her dead brother could be (and was) resurrected. (Jn 11:21-27)
Faith in God gives us hope in all God's promises. (Ps 119:114, Isa 46:9,10, Ro 4:19-21, Heb 10:23, 2Pe 1:4)
All God's promises are fulfilled in Jesus. (2Co 1:18-20)
Jesus is our greatest Hope.
Jesus is our greatest Hope. (Col 1:27, Ps 71:5, Joel 3:16, Php 3:20,21, 1Th 2:19, 1Ti 1:1, Tit 2:13, 1Pe 1:3,4)
We believe that, through Jesus, all our sins are forgiven. (Isa 44:22,23, Lk 5:19-25, Jn 1:29, Ro 8:1, Col 2:12,13, Heb 9:16-28, 1Pe 2:24, 1Jn 1:7, 1Jn 2:12)
We believe that, through Jesus, all our sins are forgotten. (Ps 25:7, Ps 79:8,9, Isa 38:17, Isa 43:18,25, Jer 31:34, Eze 33:16, Heb 10:17-20)
We believe that, through Jesus, we have an abundant life. (Jn 10:10)
We believe that, through Jesus, we have eternal life. (Jn 10:7-9 the Door, Jn 14:6 the Way, the Life, Jn 11:25,26 the Resurrection, 1Co 15:55-57, 1Jn 2:25 a promise, 1Jn 5:13 an assurance)
We believe Jesus will never leave us or forsake us. (Isa 46:3,4, Mt 28:20, Jn 6:37 Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out., Heb 13:5,6)
We believe Jesus will finish the transforming work He began in us. (Php 1:6, Ro 8:29, 2Co 3:18, Heb 12:2)
We believe Jesus will return to take us to Heaven. (Jn 14:1-3, Mt 25:31,34, Ac 1:11)
We believe by Jesus' resurrection that He can raise us from the dead. (1Co 15:19-23, 1Th 4:14-18)
Without Jesus, there is no true hope. (Jn 3:36, Eph 2:12, Jn 15:5, Ac 4:12, 1Jn 5:12)
We look forward to eternal life in Heaven.
We look forward to eternal life in Heaven. (Jn 5:24, Jn 6:47, Col 1:5 hope in heaven, Tit 1:2 hope of eternal life, Tit 3:7 hope of eternal life)
We look forward to the end of sin, suffering, and death. (Rev 21:4,27, Rev 22:1-4)
We look forward to our new homes in a restored paradise. (Isa 55:12,13, Heb 13:14)
We look forward to blessings beyond our imaginations. (1Co 2:9)
In hopeful preparation, we live now, on earth, in harmony with all the precepts of Heaven. (Mt 6:10)
In hopeful anticipation, we watch for our Lord's return. (Mt 24:42-44, 1Co 16:13, Rev 16:15)
Through eyes of hope, we see our true identity in Jesus.
Through eyes of hope, we see our true identity in Jesus. (2Co 13:5 know ye not your own selves, that Jesus Christ is in you?)
We see that we are made in the image of God. (Ge 1:27)
We see that we are God's workmanship. (Eph 2:10, Ps 139:14 wonderfully made)
We see that we are forgiven of our past sins. (Ro 3:25)
We see that we are forgiven and cleansed from all our confessed sins. (1Jn 1:9)
We see that our repented sins will not be mentioned to us. (Eze 18:21,22, Eze 33:14-16)
We see that we were redeemed at an infinite price. (Jn 3:16)
We see that we are members of the people of God. (Dt 7:6)
We see that we are citizens of Spiritual Israel. (1Sa 12:22 God's people, Gal 6:16 the Israel of God, Heb 11:16 a heavenly country and city, 1Pe 2:9 a holy nation)
We see that we are members of God's great family. (Eph 2:19)
We see that we are children of God. (Jn 1:12,13, Eph 1:5, 1Jn 3:1)
We see that we are members of "the body of" Christ. (1Co 6:15, 1Co 12:27)
We see that we are called to be holy. (Lev 11:45, 1Pe 1:15,16)
We see that we are the temple of God the Holy Spirit. (1Co 3:16, 1Co 6:19)
We see that we are priests. (1Pe 2:9 a royal priesthood, Rev 1:6 priests unto God)
We see that we are to judge angels. (1Co 6:3)
We see that we are heirs of the promise. (Ro 8:17, Gal 3:29)
We see that we are ambassadors for Christ. (2Co 5:20)
This view establishes our self-esteem! (Joel 2:26,27 not ashamed, Mt 22:37-40 love your neighbour as yourself)
This view informs, shapes, and completes our identity! (Col 2:10)
This view strengthens our health! (Php 1:20 Christ magnified in our body)
It is a grave error to dispise our true, God-ordained, identity. (Ge 25:29-34 despised his birthright, 1Sa 2:27-30 chosen to be God's priest, they that despise God, 2Sa 12:7-14 anointed to be a king, despised the commandment of the LORD, Pr 13:13 despiseth the word, Pr 15:32 despiseth his own soul, Isa 53:3 He [Jesus] is despised and rejected of men, Mt 6:24 thinking to serve two masters, despise the other [God], 1Th 4:7,8 despising holiness)
Despise - "To contemn; to scorn; to disdain; to have the lowest opinion of." (Webster's Dictionary 1828)
Our hopes transform our mind.
Trusting God, our world view must be based on what is revealed in the Bible (the written truth). (Ps 119:160, Jn 17:17, Heb 6:17,18, 1Jn 2:21)
Trusting God, our world view must be based on what is revealed in the life of Jesus (the Living Truth). (Jn 14:6, Jn 18:37)
Our mind must hope only in what is true. (Pr 23:23, Mt 7:24,25, Jn 4:23, Ro 12:2, Eph 4:22-24, Php 4:8)
Hope in what is false is folly and vanity. (Mt 7:26,27)
God does not expect us to have blind hope. (Lk 6:39)
God has provided ample evidence for what is true. (Heb 11:1)
Examples: The Creation (Ps 19:1-3, Ro 1:20)
Examples: The Resurrection (1Co 15:3-8, 2Pe 1:16)
Examples: fulfilled prophecies (in the books of Psalms, Daniel, Revelation, and many others)
If we open our eyes, we can plainly see the evidence. (Mt 6:22,23 the eyes are the light of the body, Mt 13:16 blessed are your eyes, for they see, Ac 26:18 to open their eyes)
Deception captures/hijacks the mind/will/life. (Mt 24:24 false Christs, false prophets, great signs and wonders, 2Co 11:13-15 false apostles, deceitful workers, "angel" of light, "ministers" of righteousness, Eph 5:6,7 let no one deceive you, 2Th 2:8-13 the working of Satan, 1Ti 4:1 seducing spirits, doctrines of devils, Rev 12:9 the Deceiver)
God's word unmasks and free us from deceptions. (Isa 1:18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD., Mt 4:1-11 It is written., Jn 8:32 the truth shall make you free)
Reason - "A faculty of the mind by which it distinguishes truth from falsehood, and good from evil, and which enables the possessor to deduce inferences from facts or from propositions." (Webster's Dictionary 1828)
Our life is in our blood. (Lev 17:11 first part)
Our physical heart circulates our blood.
Our mental "heart" circulates our thoughts. (Pr 4:20-23, Ge 6:5, Mk 7:20-23, Lk 6:45, Heb 4:12)
Our mental "heart" is the seat of our values. (Mt 6:21 Where your treasure is, there will your heart be.)
We need to keep our mental heart focused on Jesus. (Jer 29:13, Mt 14:25-31)
We are to have the mind of Christ. (1Co 2:16 last part, 1Co 2:13,14, 2Co 3:18, 2Co 10:5, Php 2:5, Col 1:9)
Our hopes give us a positive (optimistic) attitude (mindset).
Our hopes give us a positive (optimistic) attitude (mindset). (Ro 8:28)
Jesus was never discouraged. (Isa 42:1-4, Mt 19:26)
A positive attitude encourages us to keep going. (2Co 4:8,9)
A positive attitude encourages us to keep trying. (Pr 24:16 falling multiple times, yet rising up again, Mt 7:7,8, Mk 9:23)
A positive attitude motivates us to keep improving. (2Co 3:18)
Moses doubted whether he could do what God called him to do (lead Israel out of Egypt). (Ex 3:11)
However, God informed him of the truth that, with God, he could (and did). (Ex 3:12)
Jeremiah doubted whether he could do what God called him to do (give important messages to Israel). (Jer 1:6)
However, God informed him of the truth that, with God, he could (and did). (Jer 1:7-10)
Peter doubted whether he could do what Jesus called him to do (follow Jesus as a fisher of men). (Lk 5:8,9)
However, Jesus informed him of the truth that, with God, he could (and did). (Lk 5:10)
Thomas doubted his colleagues' eyewitness account that Jesus was raised from the dead. (Jn 20:24,25)
However, Jesus personally showed him the truth that He was now alive forevermore. (Jn 20:26-29 compare Rev 1:18)
After his Damascus Road experience, Paul believed he was the worst of sinners. (1Ti 1:15)
However, Jesus personally showed him the truth that he was a chosen vessel for a great ministry. (Ac 9:10-16)
You might believe you are weak.
However, the Bible informs us of the truth that, with God, we are strong. (Ps 46:1, Isa 40:28-31, Joel 3:10 let the weak say I am strong, 2Co 12:9, Eph 6:10)
You might doubt whether you can do what God calls you to do. (Jn 15:5)
However, the Bible informs us of the truth that, with God, you can. (Php 4:13)
Our hopes give us joy.
Our hopes (in God) give us joy. (Ps 16:11, Ps 118:24, Ps 146:5, Pr 10:28 gladness, Isa 61:10, Jn 15:11, Ro 12:12 first part, Ro 15:13, Gal 5:22, Php 4:4)
Note that keeping God's laws yields happiness. (Pr 29:18 last part)
Our hopes (in God) can deliver us from sorrow. (Ne 8:9-12 neither be ye sorry, Ps 147:3 healeth the broken in heart, Ecc 11:10 remove sorrow from thy heart, Isa 61:1 bind up the brokenhearted, Lk 4:18 heal the brokenhearted, set at liberty them that are bruised, 1Th 4:13 sorrow not, even as others which have no hope)
Our hopes (in God) can deliver us from depression. (Ps 34:15,17-19 broken heart, the LORD delivereth out of them all, Ps 143:7,8 my spirit faileth, I lift up my soul unto thee, La 3:18-24 my misery, will I hope in Him, Jn 14:1,27 not troubled heart)
Our hopeful joy strengthens our health. (Pr 15:13, Pr 17:22)
Our hopes give us peace of mind.
Our hopes give us peace of mind. (Isa 26:3, Jer 29:11, Ps 46:10, Ro 15:13 peace, Gal 5:22 peace, Col 3:15 first part, 2Pe 3:13,14)
Our peace need not be disturbed by stress. (Ps 55:22, Ps 107:19,20 He saves us out of our distresses., Isa 66:12,13 peace like a river, Mt 11:28-30, 2Co 13:11, 2Th 3:16)
Our peace need not be disturbed by fear (Dt 20:1-4, Jos 1:7, 2Ch 32:7,8, Ps 112:7 evil news, Pr 3:24-26 sweet sleep, Isa 35:4, Isa 41:10,13, Isa 54:17, La 3:57, Jn 14:27 not fearful heart, 2Ti 1:7, Heb 13:6, 1Jn 4:18), not even fear of death (Heb 2:14,15).
Our peace need not be disturbed by anxiety. (Ps 23:1-6, Mt 6:25-34 seek first God's kingdom and His righteousness, Mk 4:37-40 Peace, be still., Php 4:6,7, 1Pe 5:7)
Our peace need not be disturbed by evildoers. (Ps 37:1-10)
Our peace need not be disturbed by persecution. (La 3:27-33, Jn 16:33, Mt 5:10-12, Jn 15:18-20, Php 1:29, 2Ti 3:12, Heb 12:3)
Jesus is the Prince of peace. (Isa 9:6, Nu 6:23-26, Ps 29:10,11, Ps 107:28,29, Jn 14:27, Ro 15:33)
Those who receive righteouness by faith in Jesus can receive true peace and true healing. (Isa 32:17, Isa 57:18-21, Lk 7:48-50)
Our hopes give us patience.
Our hopes give us patience. (1Th 1:3 patience of hope, Heb 6:11,12 hope unto the end, faith and patience)
Our hopes motivate us to patiently wait on God. (Ro 8:25 hope results in patient waiting, Ex 40:36,37, La 3:25,26, Ps 27:14, Ps 37:34, Pr 20:22, Ecc 3:11 first part, Hos 12:6, Gal 5:5, Heb 10:36,37, Jas 5:10,11)
Patience includes enduring grief and suffering wrongfully. (1Pe 2:19-23 take it patiently)
Patience leads through experience to more hope. (Ro 5:3,4)
Patience leads onward towards perfection. (Jas 1:4, 2Pe 1:5-11)
Perfection is best understood as a life-long, unfolding, developmental, completion process. (Ps 139:16 in continuance, Jn 17:23 in oneness, 2Co 3:18 from glory to glory, 2Co 7:1 perfecting, Eph 4:11-15 perfecting, may grow up, Php 1:6 until the day of Jesus Christ, Php 3:12-15 press toward the mark, Heb 6:1-3 go on unto perfection, Heb 12:1 run with patience, 1Pe 5:10 after we have suffered a while)
Note that the specific context of Mt 5:43-48 is to go beyond normal, expected, human love by loving our enemies.
Note that we will not be truely perfected until the resurrection. (Heb 11:39,40)
At each stage of the perfection process, we are to be (relatively) complete (perfect). (2Ti 3:16,17 throughly furnished, Jas 1:4 entire, wanting nothing)
Note that the same Hebrew word is used for being perfect in Ge 6:9 and for being whole in Eze 15:5.
Note that we must beware of self-deception concerning our real completeness. (Rev 3:17)
We demonstrate this perfection by keeping God's commandments and the faith of Jesus. (Rev 14:12 the patience of the saints)
Note that the faith of Jesus includes faith in Jesus. (Jn 14:1,6)
The perfection process should not be mistakenly confused with a state of sinlessness. (Job 9:20, Php 2:12)
Note that we are to forsake all known sin. (Pr 28:13, Isa 55:7, Isa 59:2 sin separates us from God, Zep 3:13 not do iniquity, Lk 13:1-5 repent or perish, Jn 5:14, Jn 8:11, Ro 6:1,2 dead to sin, Ro 6:15-18 not servants of sin, 1Jn 3:3-9)
Note that sin includes sins of omission. (Jas 4:17, 1Sa 12:23)
Note that one sin makes us guilty of all. (Jas 2:10)
Note that we cannot perfectly judge ourselves. (Ps 19:12 secret faults, Ps 139:23,24 search me and try me, 1Co 4:3,4 I know nothing by myself, 1Co 13:9-12 we know in part)
Sinlessness is best understood as the cleansing process of putting away sinful thoughts, words, and deeds. (Heb 12:1 lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, 1Jn 1:9 if we confess our sins, cleanse us from all unrighteousness)
Perfection is the maturing process of taking on God's divine character. (2Pe 1:3,4 partakers of the divine nature)
Be holy. (Lev 19:2), Be loving. (Jn 15:12), Be just. (Mic 6:8), Be merciful. (Lk 6:36), etc.
Simultaneously combined, these processes merge together as the sanctification process. (1Th 5:23 sanctify wholly, whole spirit and soul and body, preserved blameless)
Sanctification - "The act of making holy. In an evangelical sense, the act of God's grace by which the affections of men are purified or alienated from sin and the world, and exalted to a supreme love to God." (Webster's Dictionary 1828)
The sanctification process should not be mistakenly viewed as burdensome work. (Mt 11:28-30, 1Jn 5:3)
We are not sanctified by mere human strength. (Zec 4:6)
We are sanctified through God's word. (Jn 17:17 sanctify them through thy word, Ac 20:32 the word of his grace, are sanctified, 1Jn 2:5 whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected)
God does this work in us. (Php 2:13)
However, God does not force His will / character on anyone. (Jos 24:14,15)
We are to wholeheartedly cooperate with God's work. (Col 3:23,24)
God can give us faith. (Mk 9:23,24, Eph 2:8, Heb 12:2 Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith)
God can transform our character. (Eze 36:26,27)
God can change every aspect of our life. (2Co 5:17)
Our hopes inspire thankfulness.
Our hopes inspire thankfulness. (Ps 30:11,12 singing glory, thanks for ever, Ps 100:4,5 everlasting mercy, enduring truth, Col 3:15-17 peace of God, grace in heart)
Our hope-inspired thankfulness will not be confined to a future focus.
It will flow over and cover the deserts of our past. (Isa 43:18-21, Php 3:13,14 forgetting the past)
We will overflow with thankfulness for the forgiveness of our sins. (Ps 103:1-5 forgiveth all thine iniquities, Lk 7:41-43 to whom he forgave most, 2Co 4:15 abundant grace)
A forgiveness that enables our hopes. (Zec 3:2 a brand plucked out of the fire)
A forgiveness that was paid with infinite cost. (2Co 9:15 unspeakable gift)
Our thankfulness for our own forgiveness will spring forth with forgiveness for others. (Isa 61:11 righteousness to spring forth)
We will freely forgive those who have offended us. (Mt 6:12, Mt 18:21,22, Mt 18:32,33, Mk 11:25,26, Lk 6:37, Lk 17:3,4, Eph 4:32, Col 3:13)
We will "let it go". (Lev 19:18 no bearing a grudge, Ps 37:8,9 cease from anger, Pr 19:11 overlook an offense, Pr 20:22 not paying back evil / getting even, Ro 12:17-21 not evil for evil, Eph 4:31 put away from you, Eph 4:26 anger/wrath, Heb 12:14,15 bitterness, 1Jn 2:9-11 hate brings darkness)
Note that holding on to bitterness is maintaining an internal, burning fire. (Pr 6:27,28 in the bosom, Ecc 7:9 anger resteth in the bosom of fools)
Note that "letting it go" does not necessarily mean immediate (or later) reconciliation. (1Co 5:9-13, not to keep company, not to eat with, Eph 5:11 no fellowship, 2Ti 3:5 from such turn away, Tit 3:9-11 avoid, reject)
We will overflow with thankfulness for all that God has provided. (Ps 92:1 all caps, Ps 107:21,22, 2Co 9:11 bountifulness, Eph 5:19,20 for all things, 1Th 5:18 in every thing)
We will see the great value of what we already have. (Php 4:11,12, Ex 20:17, Lk 3:14)
With great gratitude, we will help others. (Ac 2:32-35, Mt 10:8, Mt 25:31-40, Lk 6:38, Gal 6:2 bear other's burdens, Gal 6:9 well doing, 1Th 5:14 support the weak)
Gratitude - "An emotion of the heart, excited by a favor or benefit received; a sentiment of kindness or good will towards a benefactor; thankfulness. gratitude is an agreeable emotion, consisting in or accompanied with good will to a benefactor, and a disposition to make a suitable return of benefits or services, or when no return can be made, with a desire to see the benefactor prosperous and happy. gratitude is a virtue of the highest excellence, as it implies a feeling and generous heart, and a proper sense of duty." (Webster's Dictionary 1828)
Our hope-inspired, thankful responses strengthen our health. (Isa 58:6-8 our health shall spring forth speedily, Jer 30:19 collective health)
Our conversion experience gives us hope for others.
Our life with Jesus has changed for the better. (Ac 3:19)
Our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are improving.
We now have true hope.
Jesus saw us through eyes of hope. (Lk 22:42,43 strengthened by hope, Ro 5:8-10 looking beyond sinners and enemies, Heb 12:2 the joy that was set before Him)
Through eyes of hope, we see how others could be in Jesus. (Da 4:1-37, Lk 5:4-10, Ac 9:1-16, 2Co 4:18)
If we can believe, so can they.
If we could change, so can they.
With hope, we share the gospel with others. (Mt 28:18-20, Col 1:23 hope of the gospel)
The gospel includes many hopeful promises: including transformation of our lives on earth, becoming sons and daughters of God, and eternal life in a heavenly paradise.
The gospel is good news, which strengthens health. (Pr 15:30 a good report)
The gospel is pleasant words, which strengthen health. (Pr 16:24 pleasant words)
Our hope for others leads us to encourage them. (Pr 12:25 good words, 2Co 1:3,4 comfort, Heb 3:13 exhort one another daily, Heb 10:25 exhorting one another)
Our hope for others promotes patience, longsuffering, and forbearance in dealing with others. (1Co 7:16, Eph 4:1,2, Col 3:12,13)
Our hope for others promotes love, instead of hate. (Mt 5:43,44)
True health surmounts every barrier. (Isa 40:31)