Faith And Love

When we place our faith in Christ Jesus, there is no benefit in being circumcised or being uncircumcised. What is important is faith expressing itself in love.

Galatians 5:6

EVERY DAY IS A NEW OPPORTUNITY TO believe that what God says about us is true—that we’re loved beyond measure—and to share with others this amazing love we’ve received from God. That’s our mission as Christians. Galatians 5:6 simply says that “what is important is faith expressing itself in love.”

In Matthew 22:37-40, Jesus says: “‘Love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.” The Christian life is a life of love that flows from faith.

The Holy Spirit lives inside of us, comforting us, teaching us, and above all, pointing us to Christ (John 14:16-17; 16:13; 1 Corinthians 2:10-13; 3:16). He empowers us to live obedient, God-honoring lives. This unselfish life of love is impossible apart from Him.

In Galatians 5:16, the apostle Paul says, “Let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves.” Our fruit-bearing for God flows out of our relationship with Him through the Holy Spirit. Because there is an ongoing battle inside us between the flesh (our sinful desires) and the Spirit, we must “let God transform [us] . . . by changing the way [we] think” (Romans 12:2).

BOTTOM LINE

It’s easy to get distracted and focus on lesser things. What matters most, though, is faith working through love. That should be our goal.

Moment of Strength: Galatians 5:16-18