Topic: Does Your Faith Work? [November 8, 2016]
[If we are] in Christ Jesus, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith activated and energized and expressed and working through love. — Galatians 5:6
Many people think great faith is the number one sign of spiritual maturity, but I believe the truest test of spiritual maturity is walking in love. Our love walk energizes our faith. We cannot have a good relationship with God without having faith in God, but love demonstrates, empowers, and expresses our faith. If we truly love God and have faith in Him, we will also love people.
Today’s verse teaches us that faith works through love; and love is not talk or theory; it’s action. In fact, the Bible says that we cannot be walking in love if we see a brother in need, have what it takes to meet his need, and will not help him (see 1 John 3:17).
Jesus also said all the law and all the prophets are summed up in love when He declared: ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all of your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets (Matthew 22:37-40, NKJV).
Jesus gave these words to people asking which commandment was most important. They basically said to Him: “Just give us the bottom line, Jesus.” He replied: “Okay. You want the bottom line? You want to fully obey all the law and all the prophets? Then love Me and love people.” It’s that simple.
Jesus let people know that walking in love is the key to living a life that is pleasing to Him. Trying to walk in faith without love is like having a flashlight with no battery. We must be sure that we keep our love battery charged at all times. Otherwise our faith will not work!
God’s Word for You Today: God is love and the more we know Him, the more we will love others.
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