matters

“For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision carries any weight — the only thing that matters is faith working through love.” (Galatians 5:6, New English Translation)

Faith matters to God. In fact, “without faith, it is impossible to please God.” (Hebrews 11:6) Jesus said, “You believe in God; believe also in Me.” (John 14:1) We come to God through faith in His Son and He calls us to walk this way. “For we live by faith, not by sight.” (II Corinthians 5:7)

The Israelites were rescued from Egypt. They walked on dry land through the Red Sea and experienced miracles of provision and protection. But they were not permitted to enter the Promised Land because they were lacking in faith. “For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it.” (Hebrews 4:2)

So if my faith is weak and my prayer is like the father’s who came to Jesus on behalf of his son: “Lord, I believe, help me overcome my unbelief,” what do I do? I go to the One who is the “Author of faith” and the “Perfector of faith.” Jesus helps us believe!

“The only thing that matters is faith working through love.” “If I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.” (I Corinthians 13:2) Love matters to God.

Faith in the Son brings life in the Son and love is the result of this life. A person that claims to follow Jesus proves it by the way he or she loves. Love should be the most visible quality of the believer.

So if my love is weak and I look more like “a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal” than the Savior, what do I do? I go to the One who is love. He tells me that His “love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” (Romans 5:5) Jesus helps us love!

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35

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