The apostle Paul frequently emphasized “faith, hope and love” in his letters (Colossians 1:4-5; 2 Thessalonians. 1:3-4; Tit. 2:2; etc.). Paul was thankful for the brethren’s “steadfastness of hope.”
Their hope was not merely a matter of the heart. Paul was thankful that they had hope in their heart. Grammatically, their hope produced steadfastness (a Greek word that indicates persistent endurance). Of course, that is what true hope does.
For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for who hopes for what he already sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it.
Romans 8:24–25 (NASB95)
Do you have hope in your heart? If you do, it will be evidenced (on the outside) by steadfast endurance for the Lord. Thus, when the Bible explains itself, it teaches us that faith, hope and love are not merely heart matters, but they produce the steadfast, wearying work that the Lord is looking for in His followers. Do you have true faith, hope and love?