And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
Romans 5:5 NIV
Put to Shame
Canadians, especially younger generations, are far more open to talking about their feelings and mental health than was previously the case, but finances are often still considered taboo. A new survey hosted on the Angus Reid Forum and commissioned by Coast Capital reveals that more than a third of respondents feel shame about their financial situation while three-quarters think about their finances more than they talk about it. Half of those who took part in the poll say finances are impacting their mental health.
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I’m a fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs. I was 12 years old when they last won the Stanley Cup. I have lived in hope for all these decades only to see hopes dashed over and over again, and along with millions of others, have had to face the taunts and shaming of non-Leafs’ fans. Human hopes are like this. They are often dashed. This is not so with the hope we have in Jesus. Paul writes this in Romans 5:5: “And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” The hope that is ours as followers of Jesus is far different from that of the world. Christian hope is based on God’s grace, faith, and love. What He promises will come to pass. There are many who doubt what Jesus promises, but those of us who walk with Him know that His promises are sure. When we hope in Him, Paul says, we will ultimately never be put to shame. You can count on this.
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley