Giving Hope Can Kill You

Giving hope is a dangerous endeavor. It is an expression of sacrifice and may cost a great deal. We often believe that hope is sent in order to bring something back: we give our hope expecting a return. But the giving of hope is a service toward others and not a mechanism for self investment. It is the reception of hope that gives us rest, restores us, and offers encouragement. Receiving hope is like accepting a gift that was paid for by someone else. When we say that we give our hope to something we mean that we receive hope from that thing. We trust that it will take care of us, nurture us, and build us up.

A king once wrote, "Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him." This acknowledgement of hope received is the right order of things. The king found rest as a receiver and not as a giver.

Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him.

-Psalm 61:5

You can give hope to others by serving them. The measure of hope received will depend on the significance of your sacrifice. Some measure of gratuity and purpose is felt when we give to others, but do not think that these gifts can sustain you. The hope that gives life should be received from someone else. There is such a gift and it cost the giver a great deal. It is the only gift that can give you life, and it cost a great deal.