I Thessalonians 5:8 - "But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet."
How does faith, hope and love protect a believer?
Faith protects by extinguishing the fiery darts of the enemy. (Ephesians 6:16) In other words through faith we extinguish the doubts and lies of Satan and this world. When we have faith in God and His Word, we will not accept false teachings and the philosophies of the world. When doubt comes in, we don't act on God's Word and often confusion and discouragement comes in. Doubt brings fear and often immobilizes us. Faith releases God's promises and power.
Love protects by keeping us from doing what hurts us and others. Remember all the law and commandments are wrapped up in love. (Matthew 22:37-40) Also, love keeps us from becoming bitter. (Hebrews 12:15) Bitterness poisons us and all those around us. Finally, love promotes unity. Division is destructive and causes the body of Christ to suffer loss.
Hope of salvation protects because we are washed in His blood and sealed by the Holy Spirit. Also, it keeps us focused on our real purpose which is fellowship with God forever. It keeps our mind heavenward. Finally, it keeps us from being discouraged and falling into depression. Many have taken their lives and the lives of others because they don't have the hope of salvation or lost the hope. Hope breathes life into us.
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