Biblical Answer

Step 1: Understanding the Nature of Hope

Hope is a distinctly human emotion that enables us to look forward to the future, even in the midst of difficulties. It is a skill that develops over time and is nurtured through the support of the body of Christ. As Christians, we are called to cultivate hope as one of the theological virtues, which involves a continuous looking forward to the eternal world.

Step 2: The Edge of Hope

Hope has an edge to it, refusing to surrender in the face of misery and suffering. In Christ, we find not only consolation in suffering but also the protest of the divine against the forces of despair. This edge of hope is what sets it apart from mere optimism or wishful thinking, and it is what enables us to persevere in the face of adversity.

Step 3: The Importance of Hope in Times of Darkness

In the darkest of times, hope is what gives us the strength to carry on. It is the light that shines in the darkness, guiding us through the valley of the shadow of death. As Christians, we are called to hold onto hope, even when all else seems lost. This is because hope is not just a feeling or an emotion, but a choice that we make every day to trust in God's goodness and sovereignty. By choosing to hope, we are not ignoring the difficulties of life, but rather, we are choosing to live in the light of the promise of eternal life.

The final answer is: Hope is a distinctly human emotion that enables us to look forward to the future, even in the midst of difficulties. It is a skill that develops over time and is nurtured through the support of the body of Christ. As Christians, we are called to cultivate hope as one of the theological virtues, which involves a continuous looking forward to the eternal world. In the darkest of times, hope is what gives us the strength to carry on, guiding us through the valley of the shadow of death. By choosing to hope, we are not ignoring the difficulties of life, but rather, we are choosing to live in the light of the promise of eternal life.