“For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.” Galatians 5:6
Here’s an imagined conversation with Jesus regarding the crux of the matter:
Me: What was the big deal about circumcision?
Jesus: Circumcision was a huge point of division in the early church, and Paul was challenging those who were adding to the Gospel. ‘Believe in Me!’ was My message. ‘Righteousness is the gift of God to those who put their faith in Christ’ was the message of Paul. I fulfilled the Law… What matters is that you truly trust Me.
Me: So the object of this faith is You… What if someone says: ‘OK, I believe,’ then never does anything?
Jesus: Yes, I am the object of the faith that pleases God. I am the ‘life-giver.’ My brother James argued that ‘faith without works is dead,’ but isn’t that obvious? Faith in Me brings true life. The Holy Spirit is given to those who believe in Me. My Father pours His love into your hearts by His Spirit. This love is active… it is not dead.
Me: I would probably describe my walk as faithless most of the time. How can my faith be stronger?
Jesus: Come to Me! I am the Author and Perfecter of faith. When you are faithless, our Father is faithful; you are a part of Me and He cannot deny Himself. Trust Me; obey Me; follow Me; remain in Me. Don’t you remember the faith struggles of My apostles? I was their hope, just as I am your hope.
Me: I’d just like faith the size of a mustard seed so I could move mountains…
Jesus: Good… but without love, you are nothing. I trusted My Father and did mighty works, but all these works were an expression of His perfect love. God is love… and love is alive.
Me: I need Your help…
Jesus: Your life is in Me. Because I live, you live. I am in My Father. You are in Me. I am in you. You can rest in this fact: My life in you will express itself in love.
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” Galatians 2:20
“And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” Romans 5:5