Faith in God, Love for People
Thursday, September 21
Ever since I heard of your strong faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for God’s people everywhere, I have not stopped thanking God for you. (Ephesians 1:15-16)
I’ve heard of people who claim to have faith in God and they have no love for people. That cannot happen. True love for people always flows from faith in God. Faith and love are two sides of the same coin. You cannot have one without the other.
Our love for people is born out of our faith in God. Faith is Godward. Love is man-ward. And that is what makes a Christian. Paul gave thanks for the Ephesians because their faith and love were evidence of their participation in this great work of God. “I have been thanking God because of you. Since the time I got the news that you have a strong faith in the Lord Jesus and that this faith is producing genuine love for God’s people everywhere, I am just so grateful for what God is doing in your lives!”
Some people reading this might think that faith and love make us partakers in the work of God. But no. They do not earn us participation in this great work of God. They are evidence of our participation in God’s plan. Faith and love are among the fruit the Holy Spirit produces in our lives.
Doing the Word: Develop a strong faith in God so that you can truly love people.
Prayer: Dear Father, I ask that You help me to trust You and be able to love people truly, in Jesus’ name, Amen.