1 Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

I have been pondering comparatives this morning. While the bible says we are unwise to compare ourselves with ourselves, that was talking about sin behaviors. What about hope behavior?

It occurs to me that anyone that asks about why you have hope sees a different response to the same circumstances which they share. Hope responds differently than hopelessness. True hope is not born of instructional belief. True hope is born of faith experienced. We place our faith in Christ and in doing so He reveals Himself in ways that mere education cannot experience.

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Faith being substance can be quantified and qualified. Educational belief does not provide evidence of its value to a hope beyond the realm of its own understanding. It does not produce faith or hope, only understanding.

My first answer to anyone who asks me about my hope would be the evidence seen by them to even ask. The fact that they notice a difference in my behavior is a form of evidence. My second statement would be that I have a history of evidence provided to me by the One in whom I have hope. Our hope is not placed in a desired end, but rather in the One who has made promises and kept them.

Isaiah 57:10 Thou art wearied in the greatness of thy way; yet saidst thou not, There is no hope: thou hast found the life of thine hand; therefore thou wast not grieved.

My circumstances do not diminish my hope.