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Feb 1, 2022

As we continue our focus on “Hope Throughout the Year,” this month we’ll be exploring hope and relationships. At the end of 2021, Gallup International found that global hope and happiness were decreasing around the world compared to 2020. It appears this is mostly fueled by fears of economic instability and the global pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic clearly still impacts the world’s hopes, fears, and expectations.

Here’s what Gallup International found at the end of 2021:

  • 38% of the world’s population now think that 2022 will be better than 2021
  • 28% expect a worse year
  • 27% believe 2022 will be the same as 2021.  

As you consider your relationships with friends, acquaintances, relatives, and neighbors, it seems that 4/10 people are looking forward to 2022 with hope. We started to wonder, what are the characteristics of relationships filled with hope?

Here’s the reality. No two relationships are the same. Here are a few characteristics that began to emerge as we explored scripture and reflected on relationships filled with hope:

  • Commitment
  • Anticipation
  • Celebration
  • Presence

As you reflect on those characteristics and listen to Episode 215, consider who in scripture embodies hope-filled relationships.