Faith Breeds Hope - and Hope in Christ Changes Everything

Faith Breeds Hope

Taken from Dr. Jeff Levin’s book, God, Faith, and Health, Dr. Harold Koenig identifies 11characterisstics of faith that bring hope to the afflicted.  Dr. Koening, a pioneer in faith-health research, writes that this is the kind of faith that often improves physical and mental outcomes:

1.       Emphasis on interpersonal relationships

2.      Stress on seeking forgiveness

3.      Provision of hope for change

4.      Emphasis on forgiving others and oneself

5.      Provision of hope for healing

6.      Provision of a paradigm for suffering

7.      Provision of role models for suffering

8.      Emphasis on sense of control and self-determination

9.      Promise of life after death

10. Promise of ready accessibility

11. Provision of a supportive community.

Christianity fulfills these, as God knows what we need before we even ask:

1.       Emphasis on interpersonal relationships.  Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.” – 1 Corinthians 13:4-5

2.      Stress on seeking forgiveness. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9

3.      Provision of hope for change  “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” – 2 Corinthians 5:17

4.      Emphasis on forgiving others and oneself - “Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.” – Isaiah 1:18

5.      Provision of hope for healing - “He said to her, ‘Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.’” – Mark 5:34

6.      Provision of a paradigm for suffering - “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” – James 1:2-3

7.      Provision of role models for suffering. “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” – Isaiah 53:5

8.      Emphasis on sense of control and self-determination - I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:13

9.      Promise of life after death. “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” – Revelation 21:4

10. Promise of ready accessibility - “We love because he first loved us.” – 1 John 4:19

11. Provision of a supportive community - “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” – Hebrews 10:24-25

In future postings, we will look at the physiology that makes this possible, and how science is finally coming around to the interaction of faith and health.