Good things come in threes

1 Corinthians 13:13 NIV And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.

Romans 14:7 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.

When you understand how these two scripture verses relate, you will have the knowledge needed to become the person God created you to be. They align beautifully with God's Strategic Will and the concept of "walking in the fullness of God's guidance, provision, and care." The verses highlight the twofold dynamic of God's relationship with us: His “initiative” toward us and our “response” to Him. 

Here's how these fit:

1 Corinthians 13:13 – God's Initiative

Faith: God initiates a relationship with us by offering salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. Faith is not merely intellectual belief but a trust that is awakened by God's grace (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Hope: God's promises, rooted in His character and sacrificial love, give us hope for the future (Jeremiah 29:11; Romans 15:13). This hope sustains us, reminding us that God's plans for us are redemptive and eternal.

Love: God's love (agape) is the foundation of His initiative. His love is demonstrated in Christ's sacrificial death (John 3:16; Romans 5:8). This love calls us into a transformative relationship with Him.

Romans 14:7 – Our Response

Righteousness: As we trust in Christ, we are justified (declared righteous) and called to live in obedience to His will (Philippians 2:12-13). This obedience flows from a heart transformed by love and trust.

Peace: Peace with God is the result of our reconciliation through Christ (Romans 5:1). This peace also flows into our relationships with others (Matthew 5:9) and sustains us in life's trials (Philippians 4:6-7).

Joy in the Holy Spirit: This joy is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) and comes from experiencing God's presence and provision in our lives. It is not dependent on circumstances but on abiding in Christ (John 15:11).

How This Fits God's Strategic Will

God's strategic will is that we:

Know Him: Through faith, hope, and love, we enter a relationship with Him, experiencing His initiative toward us.

Walk with Him: Through righteousness, peace, and joy, we align our lives with His will, responding in trust and obedience.

Reflect Him: As we walk in the fullness of His guidance, provision, and care, we reveal His kingdom to the world (Matthew 5:14-16).

This framework mirrors the unity of “spirit” (faith relationship), “mind” (trusting His promises), and “action” (obedient living) you emphasize in your ministry.

Other Related Verses

Several Bible passages expand on this theme of God's initiative and our response:

God’s Initiative:

John 1:12: "Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God."

2 Peter 1:3-4: "His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness."

Our Response:

Micah 6:8: "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."

Romans 12:1-2: "Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."

Walking in Fullness:

John 15:5: "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me, you can do nothing."


Philippians 4:19: "And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus."

Colossians 3:15-17: "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts... And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus."

This perspective ties directly into God's strategic will by emphasizing the relational nature of faith and the transformation that results from trusting God's initiative and responding with obedience. The interweaving of faith, hope, love and righteousness, peace, and joy captures the fullness of life in Christ and reflects His kingdom to the world. By anchoring your life in these truths, you truly walk in the fullness of His guidance, provision, and care.

Truth becomes Deception!

"Truth of biblical principles becomes Deception when separated from the leading of the Holy Spirit".

You know biblical principles inside and out. You apply so many of them in your life and you reap the biblical promise, "Walk in my ways and it will be well with you". You speak the truth and people's lives are change. And you know how far you fall short. Yet it appears God uses you. So, you justify your practice of sin and excuse it away by what you see as God using you despite your sin. And your blindness leads many. 

By Grace, through Faith

By Grace, Through Faith: Reflecting on Proverbs 3:5-6

Proverbs 3:5-6 encapsulates the essence of living 'by grace, through faith.' As Christians, we are called to trust in God’s guidance, acknowledge His hand in our lives, and walk in the fullness of His grace. This reflection is especially important in recognizing how God’s wisdom has shaped our journey.

1. Grace in Proverbs 3:5-6

Grace is God’s initiative—His unmerited favor that guides and sustains us. In Proverbs 3:5-6, God’s grace is evident in His promise to ‘make straight your paths.’ This isn’t something we achieve through our own efforts; it is God’s loving provision, ensuring that we walk in alignment with His will.

Key Verse: 'In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.'
Reflection: Consider moments in your life when everything seemed to fall into place. How might these have been examples of God’s grace at work?

2. Faith in Proverbs 3:5-6

Faith is our response to God’s grace. It requires us to trust Him with all our heart, even when we don’t fully understand His plans. Leaning on our own understanding often leads to pride, but faith invites us to surrender and acknowledge God’s wisdom.

Key Verse: 'Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.'
Reflection: Are there times when you relied on your own understanding? What happened when you chose to trust God instead?

3. Recognizing God’s Wisdom in Your Life

Many of the wise choices we’ve made in life were not solely our own doing. God’s Spirit often provides wisdom in our thoughts, guiding us toward decisions that align with His will. Yet, we may not always recognize this as coming from Him.

Questions to consider:
  1. Can you think of a time when you made a wise decision and later realized God’s hand was in it?
  2. How can we become more aware of God’s guidance in our daily lives?
  3. How might acknowledging His role deepen our gratitude and faith?

4. Living "By Grace, Through Faith"

Walking by grace through faith means continually trusting in God’s wisdom and provision. It also means acknowledging His work in our lives, not just in the big moments but also in the daily details. Here are practical steps:
Acknowledge: Start each day by placing your trust in God’s guidance.
Reflect on His Grace: Take time to recognize His hand in your past decisions and successes.
Share Your Testimony: Encourage others by sharing how God’s grace and wisdom have shaped your life.

Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us that God’s wisdom is far greater than our own. When we live by grace, trusting Him through faith, we experience the fullness of His guidance, provision, and care. Let this truth inspire you to continue walking closely with Him.