And not only that, but we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us. (Romans 5:3-5)
Paul’s short phrase, ‘and hope does not disappoint us’ is striking. In part because of the confidence that Paul has in the nature and character of God, and because of the foundation of hope that he describes as coming from our own experience of God.
This connection between our own experience and the nature of God is fundamental to how we embrace Christian hope. None of us enjoy having to suffer, nor needing to endure something even knowing that living through this journey produces character.
Paul’s message to his readers is straight forward. We know in life who God is to us. Through our experience of life, God’s grace and peace surrounds us. Such a reality leads to our ‘boast’. In all of life we know God is with us and so we are confident in God being with us. This is the hope that does not let us down.
Such a depth of hope filled character is present in many communities. Very often most clearly observed in settings where people have less resources and so have primary living reliance on God. Now I am aware that I am at risk of generalising human experience. Yet I see it as being real and present.
The Catholic and Greek Orthodox communities in Gaza show this character, as do the agencies providing relief and help to the community of Gaza. They have not given up and continue to care.
I see it in the Pacific where the impact of rising sea levels is a reality and the campaign for urgent climate action continues. There is trust that God, through people, will bring about change.
There are many places where people of different faiths live in a minority and there is no thought at all, of ‘giving up’ on their religious commitments. Instead, what we see is a very deep personal commitment to living out their faith.
Such a depth of fidelity is the foundation of the hope that does not disappoint.
Rev John Gilmore
NCCA President