在美國各地的許多社區裡，很多富有的捐助者向學生們作出鼓舞人心的承諾。如果學生們從幼兒園到高中的13年就學期間，學業成績優良，捐助者將為他們支付州內公立社區學院或大學四年的學費。統計數據顯示，某些城市裡的學生們聽到這個消息便深受激勵，無論家境如何，立即開始努力學習。一位老師表示：「這徹底改變學生們的心態。就連在幼兒園裡，每個孩子都會告訴你，他們要上大學。這跟以前完全不一樣了。」這份對於未來的承諾，讓他們對將來更加充滿憧憬和希望。

使徒約翰提及耶穌對將來的承諾，激勵初代信徒們的信心。耶穌應許有一天祂要再來，使徒約翰說當耶穌再來時，「我們必要像祂，因為必得見祂的真體」（約翰一書3章2節）。使徒約翰鼓勵眾信徒：「凡心存這種盼望的人都會自潔，因為主是聖潔的」（3節，當代譯本修訂版）。我們很有把握將來有一天我們會見到耶穌。因著這個應許，我們會更加渴望變得像祂，因為我們蒙祂所愛，也以愛來回應祂。

當我們親眼見到耶穌，與祂面對面的時候，那將是多麼美好的時刻啊！在那之前，讓我們繼續跟隨祂，更加信靠祂，並期盼祂的再來。上帝必定信守祂的承諾。

Wealthy benefactors in communities across the United States have made an inspiring promise to students. If they get good grades throughout their thirteen years of school in their district, the benefactors will pay for four years at a public community college or university in their state. Statistics have shown in some cities that this motivates the students, rich and poor, to start doing well immediately after they hear the news. One teacher said, “It’s been a total shift in mindset. Every kindergartener will tell you they’re going to college. It’s reality.” The promise of what’s to come increases their desire and hope for their future.

The apostle John talked about a promise of what’s to come that helped motivate the early believers in their faith. Jesus promised to return; and when He does, John says, “We shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is” (1 John 3:2). He encouraged his readers: “All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure” (v. 3). We have the confident hope that one day we will see Jesus. And because of that promise, our desire to be more like Him increases because we’re loved by Him and love Him in return.

What a time that will be when we see Jesus face to face! Until then, we keep following Him, growing in our faith, and anticipating His coming. God will keep His promise.