For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.
So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:12-13
How much do we need to know the Holy Spirit? Your entire life depends on knowing Him. He reveals the Son (Jesus) to you. He also is your Source to EVERYTHING spiritual. Let’s look at the ‘big three’. Two of the three are fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), faith (pistis) and love (agape).
How does the Greek New Testament define ‘faith’?
From Biblehub Helps Word-studies: “Faith (4102/pistis) is always a gift from God, and never something that can be produced by people. In short, 4102/pistis (“faith”) for the believer is “God’s divine persuasion” – and therefore distinct from human belief (confidence), yet involving it. The Lord continuously births faith in the yielded believer so they can know what He prefers, i.e. the persuasion of His will (1 Jn 5:4).”
So faith is a divinely implanted fruit by God Himself (Holy Spirit). It is not something we can produce ourselves. The same is for (agape) love which also implanted into us by the Holy Spirit. It is not from the human existence it is the heart of God. God is love (1 John 4:8).
So now what is hope in the scriptural point of view? Hope (elpis), according to Biblehub Word-studies, “In the New Testament, “elpis” primarily denotes a confident expectation or trust in God’s promises. It is not merely wishful thinking but a firm assurance based on the character and faithfulness of God.” It is an expectation born from experience (spiritual encounter with God) which brings a ‘certainty’ (knowing) that transforms believers with strength and perseverance amid trials. So again, hope comes from God just like faith and love. All three are more known by our ‘inner heart’ (soul & spirit) than our intellect. So how do we receive these three virtues? Through the ongoing daily intimate relationship with the Holy Spirit.
Are you listening to Him? Are you quick to agree with Him? Do you quickly obey Him? Do you align your will and choices to His will and path for you? Is the Holy Spirit teaching you ‘all things’ (John 14:26)? Are you asking Him many questions? Are you asking Him for faith, hope, and love?
Is the Holy Spirit giving you dreams and visions (Joel 2:28 / Acts 2:17)? Is the Holy Spirit working His gifts through you (1 Corinthians 12:4-11)? Are you experiencing Him in greater and greater ways? Is He teaching you the deeper things of the life with Christ (Hebrews 5:11-14)?
Hope from the Holy Spirit is NOT what we define and know as ‘hope’ in our English language and Western culture, it is not wishful thinking, it is a concrete ‘knowing’. That ‘knowing’ comes from actual experiences with Him and you are actually encountering the ‘invisible’ realm.
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1
To receive His faith, hope, and love takes a vulnerability with the Holy Spirit. Are you open and willing to have Him give you things and ask you things that might make you uncomfortable, scared, and challenged? Do you have enough experience with Him to know what He wants is best for you, because He loves you? Do you trust Him? How much? How far?
This is an exciting life! To walk with Him is our greatest joy! To see Him work and love! He is our Teacher and Guide!
Trust Him. Ask Him.