Love: The True Manifestation of Faith

 

Love: The True Manifestation of Faith

The idea that faith is expressed through love isn't just a quaint medieval notion; it's a core biblical principle woven throughout the New Testament (Matthew 7:12; Mark 12:30-31; Luke 6:27). Jesus himself emphasized that all commandments hinge on the command to love (Mark 12:30-31). For medieval Christians, the central focus was making faith visible through acts of love. This contrasts sharply with many contemporary Christians whose primary, though perhaps subconscious, concern revolves around being "good" and performing good deeds. While these are important, Jesus taught that loving God and loving others should be the driving force behind our faith. The Book of James supports this, explaining that good works are a result of genuine faith, not the evidence of it (James 2:14-26). Essentially, a faith rooted in love will naturally produce good works.

A significant danger arises when we prioritize a "faith manifested through good works" theology over a "faith manifested through love" theology. As Van Engen points out, "Once you begin worrying about whether your good works are good enough, you can soon drive yourself spiritually crazy." How can we ever truly measure the adequacy of our actions? How do we know if we've done enough? The haunting question, "How good is good enough?" becomes the defining mantra of our discipleship, trapping us in a cycle of self-doubt and striving.

Putting Love into Action:

Implementing a "faith manifested through love" approach starts with leadership. As a ministry leader, I must model genuine love for those I'm discipling. Our teachings must center on loving God and loving others, drawing inspiration from the early church in the Book of Acts. Crucially, faith is authentically expressed through love when we prioritize building our relationship with Jesus and with one another.

Cultivating these relationships requires intentional effort. Meaningful connection doesn't just happen automatically. One practical step my ministry can take is to create space for believers to simply enjoy each other's company. This could involve sharing meals, playing games, or going out together – not with a specific agenda, but simply to foster fellowship and express love for one another as brothers and sisters in Christ. As these shared experiences continue, relationships will deepen, and love will naturally overflow. This love, in turn, will fuel the good works that are the natural outflow of a vibrant, love-centered faith.

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