No wonder it says in Hebrews that without faith we cannot please God.
Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
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 here 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 follows:
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- longsuffering
- kindness
- lack of envy
- not provoked
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- self sacrifice
- humility
- Self abasement
- believes all things
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- kindness
- good behavior
- unselfishness
- hope
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- 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.
- 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."
