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Your Question:
What sparks hope in the darkness when love is put to the test?
Answer:
## Step 1: Understanding the concept of love in the context of hope and darkness The passage from 1 Corinthians 13 highlights the importance of love as a test of life and a source of hope, even in the darkest of times. Love raises questions that point beyond the present darkness, suggesting the possibility of a brighter future. This is echoed in the idea that love is not a natural response, but rather something that must be learned and cultivated. ## Step 2: Exploring the relationship between love and hope The passage also suggests that love is a basis for believers' hope that God has reconciled himself to them and will save them from the eschatological wrath. This hope is rooted in the idea that love is a fundamental aspect of God's nature and character. As Katherine Anne Porter writes, "Love must be learned, and learned again and again; there is no end to it." This implies that love is a dynamic and ongoing process, one that requires effort and commitment to cultivate and maintain. ## Step 3: Considering the role of love in the face of adversity In the context of darkness and adversity, love serves as a source of hope and a reminder of God's presence and love. As the passage from 1 Corinthians 13 notes, "Love never fails." This is a testament to the enduring power of love, even in the face of uncertainty and adversity. By cultivating love, individuals can tap into this source of hope and find strength in the darkness. The final answer is: $\boxed{Love is the source of hope in the darkness, a dynamic and ongoing process that must be learned and cultivated, and a reminder of God's presence and love.}$ This answer is a summary of the main points discussed in the previous steps. It highlights the importance of love as a source of hope, its dynamic and ongoing nature, and its role as a reminder of God's presence and love in the face of adversity.
Sources:
history eschatology
n t wright
letters of john
john stott
systematic theology
wayne grudem
new testament background and message
thomas lea
paul and the law
thielman
sacred marriage
gary thomas
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