These 3 things will last forever...

Today we’re diving into one of the most beautiful verses in all of Scripture: faith, hope, and love. 

These three words are more than just pretty wall art or Instagram captions — they’re powerful pillars of the Christian life. So whether you’re sipping coffee in your kitchen or battling traffic on the way to work, let’s explore what this looks like in everyday life and why Paul says love is the greatest of them all. Let’s get into it!

1 Corinthians 13:13 (NLT) – “Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.”

FAITH

Alright, we’re kicking things off with faith. I’m not talking about having all the answers or never doubting — I’m talking about that steady belief that even when you don’t see it, God is working.

Faith is often quiet. It’s believing when it would be easier to give up. It’s choosing to trust when things feel shaky. It’s like driving through thick fog — you can’t see far ahead, but you still move forward because you know the road is there.

I remember a season when everything felt up in the air — work, family decisions, finances, the whole nine yards. I didn’t feel “faith-filled.” I felt unsure. But I kept praying, kept showing up, and looking back, I can see how God was stitching things together the whole time.

It was in my showing up that I felt strong, knowing that God would answer and provide.

Faith doesn’t have to be big to be real. Jesus said faith the size of a mustard seed could move mountains. So if all you’ve got today is a whisper of faith, that’s enough.

We’ve all faced mountains we wished would just move. And sometimes that happens — we pray and God answers right away. But sometimes, that mountain doesn’t move because we need to learn from it and grow through it. Trusting and knowing God is in control — that’s what strengthens our faith.

What’s one thing you’re trusting God with right now — even if it’s hard?

Let’s talk real life: doubt and faith can coexist. Even people in the Bible wrestled with it.

Faith isn’t about never questioning; it’s about holding on through the questions.

Many times, I’ve asked, “Why, Lord? Why am I going through this again? Why have You chosen me to walk through this? Why can’t I catch a break?” But you know what? Questions are good. They bring communication, and they lead to answers. Everyone struggles, so don’t beat yourself up if you’re struggling to believe. God isn’t intimidated by your questions — He welcomes them. He wants to help you understand and accomplish so much more.

HOPE

Now that we’ve unpacked faith, let’s talk about hope. Hope isn’t wishful thinking — it’s a deep confidence that no matter how dark it gets, the light is coming.

Hope isn’t putting on a fake smile and pretending everything’s fine. It’s saying, “Even if things aren’t okay right now, I believe they won’t stay this way.” It’s a lifeline.

We have this song that Carrie Underwood sings titled “Temporary Home,” and it goes through different stories of people and their challenges, but they all say the same thing — that this earth is just a temporary home, and they’re looking to God, trusting in the place He’s preparing for them. That’s hope.

Most of life is lived in the “waiting room” — waiting for answers, healing, breakthrough. And hope is what keeps us breathing there. It can be tiring.

Where do you need to invite hope back in? What area feels like a long wait?

The good news is, God brings us hope. And sometimes, we borrow hope from others. That’s why community matters. A friend’s encouragement, a song on the radio, even a verse in your feed can be just the boost someone needs.

Be the reason someone doesn’t give up today. A small text or smile can carry big hope.

1 Corinthians 13:13 (NLT) – “Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.”

At the end of the day, our hope isn’t in circumstances changing — it’s in Jesus. Jesus already overcame the worst, and because of that, we have hope that we can face whatever comes our way.

If you were in Jesus’ shoes and knew what you would have to endure, would you still have hope in the Lord and His plan? Jesus was fully human and fully God — and yet He was able to overcome His earthly flesh, keeping His full trust in the Father. He knew He had to die to save us all. That’s why Jesus is our living hope.

Even when everything else shakes, He stays steady. He is your hope.

LOVE

Now let’s talk about the biggest and most beautiful of them all — love. Not the mushy, rom-com kind of love, but the kind that sticks through hard times, shows up when it’s inconvenient, and changes lives.

At a previous job, my boss brought me a coffee on a rough day. It wasn’t about the drink — it was that she saw me. She may not have realized it, but that small gesture showed she cared. And in that, there was love.

Sometimes we think love needs to be some big, bold display. But some of the most powerful moments come through small, steady actions.

Like when a friend calls and just needs to talk, and you take time out of your busy day to listen. Or when your child or grandchild needs a hug just because. Or when your spouse says “I love you” for no particular reason.

What’s one small way you can show love today? Don’t overthink it — just do it.

Let’s be real — some people are hard to love. But that’s where love really shines.

When we don’t change our words or actions based on who we’re dealing with, it gets noticed.

Jesus loved us while we were still a mess. We get to extend that kind of love to others.

When it’s hard to love someone, ask God to show you how He sees them.

At the end of our lives, people won’t remember our schedules or successes — they’ll remember how we made them feel. That’s the legacy of love.

Start building that legacy today, one loving moment at a time.

I hope you’re walking away today with a little more faith in your heart, a little more hope in your spirit, and a fresh reminder that love is the greatest gift we can give and receive.

Life gets loud, but these three — faith, hope, and love — always bring us back to what matters most.