The Importance of Hope by Christie Beck

Hope is one of the most essential concepts of the gospel. Although other principles such as faith or obedience are often discussed more frequently, hope is the driving force behind these actions. It is hope that acts as the catalyst for performing acts of service, enduring through tribulation, and placing trust in Heavenly Father. Although it is embedded in everything we do, hope is not simply a complimentary side note only recognized as an afterthought. As we develop hope in our lives it can become a key component of our testimonies and beliefs.

Hope is most often discussed in connection with faith and charity. When connected with these other two elements, our lives become more eternally centered. Alma taught, "See that ye have faith, hope, and charity, and then ye will always abound in good works" [1]. To abound in good works is to act as Christ would act. In order to do this, each attribute needs to become an integral part of our lives. Faith, hope, and charity as a whole work together to strengthen each individual quality. The Book of Mormon teaches us that "except ye have charity ye can in nowise be saved in the kingdom of God; neither can ye be saved in the kingdom of God if ye have not faith; neither can ye if ye have no hope" [2]. Although returning to our Heavenly Father's presence in the kingdom of God is our ultimate goal, it is impossible to obtain without hope coupled with faith and charity.

While it is clear to see the connection between hope and faith and charity, it is not as obvious to see why hope is so essential to this threesome. In his October 2008 Conference Address, President Dieter F. Uchtdorf said, "Hope is critical to both faith and charity. When disobedience, disappointment, and procrastination erode faith, hope is there to uphold our faith. When frustration and impatience challenge charity, hope braces our resolve and urges us to care for our fellowmen even without expectation of reward. The brighter our hope, the greater our faith. The stronger our hope, the purer our charity." Hope strengthens every aspect of these attributes. Without hope to sustain us, times of tribulation and weakness would undoubtedly shake us from our foundation. The Lord revealed the necessity of these characteristics to the Prophet Joseph Smith when he said, "And if you have not faith, hope, and charity, you can do nothing" [3]. Heavenly Father realizes that this life will have times of difficulty but He has not left us alone. "Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost" [4]. As we learn to rely on the principles of faith, hope, and charity, He will bless us with the strength we need to carry on.

Hope creates opportunity for Heavenly Father to bless us with an outpouring of the Spirit. As we become full of the Spirit, we begin to see things as God and Christ see them. "Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God" [5]. Hope truly can act as an anchor in our lives. The Hebrew word for fear, often thought of as the opposite of hope, is yara, which means "to flow." Satan hopes to fill our hearts with fear to the point that is flowing out of us in everything we do. However, we can use hope to overcome our fears and rely on the Lord. Hope can be an unyielding constant amidst the seemingly unceasing change that surrounds us. The choice lies with us.

Hope is one thing to discuss on paper but an entirely different concept when it becomes something that is needed urgently. A few years ago, my Grandpa went into a rest home because he was no longer able to care for himself. Because our family lived the closet to the rest home, we visited him at least weekly, if not more. My Grandpa got progressively worse as time went on but he always seemed to find a way to rebound from his declines in health. One week when our family was on a family reunion with the other side, we received the news that our Grandpa had passed away. We were devastated that we had not been there. Although we knew that he was no longer it pain, it was difficult to understand how this could happen during one of the rare times when we were not around. I realized that there was little else we could do at that point other than hope for comfort, understanding, and acceptance. After many prayers and much pondering, I knew that the passing on my Grandpa truly was the best outcome and the Lord's will. Although the process seems short when described here, finding the courage to hope for understanding about my Grandpa's passing was a difficult process but one that I am still grateful to have had today. The hope I had in my Father in Heaven has now increased my trust and confidence in Him.

Hope is one of the most fundamental principles of the gospel. Although equally important, other principles often overshadow the important role that hope plays in our lives. I know that hope can act as an anchor in our lives during both the good times and the bad. I know that our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, truly did die on the cross for us so that hope in Him is justified. I know that we can learn to "abound in good works" by listening to and obeying the words of President Thomas S. Monson. This Church is true. I know that we are truly following the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. I'm grateful for this knowledge and am filled with hope that I will continue to have experiences in my life that will strengthen my testimony. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Works Cited

[1] Alma 7:24

[2] Moroni 10:21

[3] D&C 18:19

[4] Romans 15:13

[5] Ether 12:4