06/19/2022
What is the link between hope and purpose? Are they intertwined? Which comes first: hope or purpose? Can either be known apart from God?
I have my thoughts on this of course, but I am very curious to hear from you regarding this topic. Below are the definitions I collected for your reference in response...
Definitions From Merriam-Webster:
Purpose:
"something set up as an object or end to be attained"
Hope:
"desire accompanied by expectation of or belief in fulfillment"
Bible Dictionary (KJV Dictionary) Definitions:
Purpose:
“That which a person sets before himself as an object to be reached or accomplished; the end or aim to which the view is directed in any plan, measure, or exertion. We believe the Supreme Being created intelligent beings for some benevolent and glorious purpose, and if so, how glorious and benevolent must be His purpose in the plan of redemption! The ambition of men is generally directed to one of two purposes, or to both; the acquisition of wealth or of power. We build houses for the purpose of shelter; we labor for the purpose of subsistence.”
Hope:
“A desire of some good, accompanied with at least a slight expectation of obtaining it, or a belief that it is obtainable. Hope differs from wish and desire in this, that it implies some expectation of obtaining the good desired or the possibility of possessing it. Hope therefore always gives pleasure or joy; whereas wish and desire may produce or be accompanied with pain and anxiety.”