Love always trusts and hopes

I Corinthians 13:7 [Love] always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Those of you who know me really well know that I am not a very trusting or hopeful person by nature. It is only God in me that allows me to even appear trusting or hopeful!

I used to live in fear of the Russians attacking us when I was a child during the Cold War. Now I quickly relate the tensions in the Middle East to endtime prophecies. In other words, it easy for me to connect with, and communicate to my children the law and wrath of God.

But when I was doubting God a over a decade ago, it wasn’t God’s laws and promise of destruction for unbelievers that brought me back to Him. It was His never failing trust and hope in me that brought me back, most often shown through my Christian parents, husband and friends. The love, acceptance and belief in me was something that I just couldn’t resist, that I didn’t want to live without.

I can see my husband and mom just shaking their heads and saying, “It’s about time!” But I think I am finally understanding how to share the joy of God’s love with my kids more often than God’s wrath.

I am getting better at saying, “Yeah, you messed up, and there will be some consequences for that. But I believe in you, so don’t give up. Now what’s something fun we can talk about or do?” I am getting better at focusing on the positives, rather than the negatives.

I am getting better at always trusting and hoping.

After all, isn’t that what God does for us?