TEXT: Galatians 5:6 KJVS
[6] For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.
Love and Faith are two active attributes believers cannot but live by. God is Love and no one can please Him without faith.
1 John 4:7-8 KJVS
[7] Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
[8] He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
Hebrews 11:6 KJVS
[6] But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Working with these scriptures, a New Testament believer should have the nature of God’s kind of Love in him. This kind of Love is self-sacrificing for others and internally motivated by reverence worship for God.
Your faith is not based on church membership and religious practices but genuine obedience to works of love. Our main text says “For in Jesus Christ…” and not “in church of Jesus Christ.” That suggests that someone might still be in church but not operating in Christ Jesus.
A quick example of how faith works by Love is that of Cain and Abel.
Hebrews 11:4 KJVS
[4] By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.
It wasn’t the quality of offering that set them apart but obedience to instruction given. Abel brought what God wanted but Cain brought what he felt like giving. Abel did it in obedience and love while Cain did it casually and with grudge. That was why God said sin lies at Cain’s door but Abel and his offering were respected. (Genesis 4:1-7).
Your sacrificial offering (time, treasure, tithe and talent) is an act of worship to God and your demonstration of Love for His work on earth. Many still struggle with these because they lack faith in God’s providence to meet their needs and as such hold back from His work.
Some have not conquered greed and as such refuse to spend except on themselves. Others believe worship does not include giving but just the state of their hearts. Deep worshippers lay down stuffs before God!
It is easier to trust the living word of God when you are in Love with God’s word than just to live in hope that something will just happen positively anyway. Your faith is intentional when you are working in Love towards God and men.
And the God you deal with dwells in light and weighs actions of men.
1 Samuel 2:3 KJVS
[3] Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the Lord is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.
He knows when you are walking in deceits but pretending you are in love. Stop hatred for others in your heart and putting up different things before them. Stop being natural with your tribal sentiments and generational traits to deal ruthlessly with others.
Do not let your actions cancel your faith. Trust the Holy Spirit to shed abroad His love in your heart for others. Be a fine practicing Christian and not a religious bigot always carrying face in church. Stop tearing people down in your heart and with your mouth, God hears always! Ask Aaron and Miriam (Numbers 12:1-2).
Love and Faith are practices you live by deliberately. Faith is stronger when Love is flowing from your heart. Lack of Love can cancel your faith because Love is greater than Faith. (1 Corinthians 13:13).
End the war and let your faith begin to produce for you. You shall no longer lack the deliveries of faith. Since faith is a God-pleaser and God Himself is love, you will now begin to lavish your love towards God and men in your dealings of Faith.
Happy celebration of true love today.
I love you dearly from the depth of my heart.
Shalom Shalom.