“(13) So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” (1 Corinthians 13:13 ESV)
If this does not mean we can aim for the love and forget about faith and hope, how do we consider the relationship between them? Consider how close a connection exists between love and faith. A number of passages reveal how intertwined these are, but consider at least two.
Because of God’s love, we have the opportunity for faith and our love for God aids in deepening our faith and faithfulness to Him. In writing to the church at Galatia, Paul stated. . .
“(4) You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace. (5) For through the Spirit, by faith, we ourselves eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness. (6) For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.” (Galatians 5:4-6 ESV)
Love is so great because it is through love faith is expressed or revealed in our life. Love prompts a faith in us that is active! And that active faith, in turn, continues to feed the love as Paul noted to Timothy where we read. . .
“(5) The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.” (1 Timothy 1:5 ESV)
From these passages we should see that if the love is there, faith will be there as well! May our faith be fueled by the power of the love God has demonstrated on our behalf!
Have a great day EXPRESSING FAITH THROUGH LOVE!
Carl
