This message is one of the most important principles in the release of
our faith. Without this principle or quality working in our lives
we will never know what it is to have our faith released
effectively. This quality is found in the Book of Galatians and is
called love. Faith works and operates by love.
Galatians 5:6 For
in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails
anything, but faith working through love.
The Relationship
Between Faith & Love.
For Paul, the controlling principle of life is faith expressed in love,
as in the life of Christ. The essence of Christianity is not
legalism, but a personal relationship to Jesus Christ which is
characterized by faith and love. We see this time and time again
in the Writings of Paul.
Ephesians 1:15 Therefore
I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for
all the saints...
Ephesians 3:17
that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being
rooted and grounded in love...
When
you think of love, what comes to your mind? The marks of love are
found her in 1 Corinthians 13. These are the characteristics that
release the faith in our lives so that we are able to receive what God
has for us. Some of the things mentioned here are as
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- follows:
- longsuffering
- kindness
- lack of envy
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- is not provoked
- self sacrifice
- humility
- Self abasement
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- kindness
- good behavior
- unselfishness
- hope
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- believes all things
- patience
- rejoicing
- forgiveness
- endurance
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2. The Example
of Jesus Feeding the 5000 - John 14:1-21.
Jesus performed many miracles while He ministered in the fullness of
Christ on earth for 3 1/2 years. He always exhibited a perfect
faith that was motivated by a genuine love for the people He had been
sent to minister to. In the miracle of Jesus feeding the 5000 we
see how perfectly love was the motivation behind the miracle. This
was a great victory for Jesus and for the people. In fact they
were ready to make Him king following this miracle.
Practical
Expressions Of Faith & Love In Our Lives.
How does this apply to us in a practical way from day to day?
- Are you praying in faith for your
marriage? Do acts of kindness and unselfish deeds even when your
mate is unworthy of your love. This will release your faith and
God's hand in their life.
- What about the grumpy boss you're praying for
to get saved? Do you respond in love when you feel you are being
taken advantage of?
- Are you praying in faith for financial
provision? What's your motivation? Is it for your own selfish
gain or is it to better meet your families needs, etc.
- What about your gifting in God? What's
your motive? Is it to build others up or is it to puff yourself up?
- When the phone rings at an inconvenient time do
you get all bent out of shape or do you respond in love? Even
though others may be inconsiderate, you can respond in love by being
considerate to them. Take the time to listen and draw them out,
even when you are not feeling like it. Your gifting will come out
as you take the time to respond in love.
Remember, faith and love are inseparable. Practicing love from day
to day in all of these areas keeps you in a place where your faith is
being released in a positive way from day to day.
Romans 1:17 For
in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it
is written, "The just shall live by faith."
