Thought for the week

And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love 1 Corinthians 13:13

TWO weeks ago, the Lord Lieutenant of Argyll and Bute officially opened Hope Kitchen’s new premises. As many in Oban know, the charity serves those who need help in many ways, for example, some suffering the effects of addictions, some who are homeless, some who are on the breadline, some who find it hard to cope and some who are just lonely. Although officially called Hope Kitchen, the name above the new premises is ‘New Hope’, not because of the recent move but because the desire of the staff, volunteers and trustees is to give new hope to all who enter. Everyone is important, everyone is special, everyone has something to offer and when I spend time talking with those who use our services, I find each person has a story and something valuable to offer. Sometimes you have to dig a bit deeper, but the gold nugget is there. That’s why I think this verse is so appropriate to the opening of New Hope. In the King James version, the word love is translated ‘charity’. This word has been misused over the past century whereas today when offering it, many would say: ‘I don’t want your pity. Keep your charity.’ No- one is pitied at New Hope. What is done is given in love. Who would reject love? Our volunteers don’t get paid yet we have a great number who give selflessly every week, offering hope in so many ways to those who come in without any. We believe, trust, have faith that what we offer will make a difference and are ready to give those who seek help in whatever way, a hand to reach their goal, whatever it is. The Lord Lieutenant told me that wherever he is, he represents the Queen. His conduct exemplified that in every way. It reminded me that as a Christian-led charity, we also have to represent our King in every way, in our action, speech and thoughts. But without love, the greatest of these three, there would be no motivation to achieve what we have, and then go on to greater things. Dr Stuart Chalmers, Oban Baptist Church