April 7: Foundations First: Faith Working Through Love

In a Nutshell

This past Sunday, Pastor Reuben reminded us that our spiritual lives are like a house God is building, founded on essential blocks like faith and love, followed by humility and the fear of the Lord, which leads to wisdom. These foundations are crucial for receiving God’s blessings and fulfilling His purpose for us.

Anchor Verse

“For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love.” – Galatians 5:6 (NKJV)

Unpacking the Word

Pastor Reuben began by revisiting the foundational stones of the house God is building in us: faith and love. These aren’t just abstract concepts; they are the very mechanisms through which we connect with God and each other. Faith, as the sermon highlighted, is how we are saved (Ephesians 2:8) and how we receive everything God has for us. It’s not our need or even God’s love alone that triggers His provision, but our belief. Faith activates God’s grace in our lives.

However, faith doesn’t operate in a vacuum. Galatians 5:6 clearly states that the only thing that counts is “faith working through love.” This means our belief in God must translate into tangible love, particularly towards one another. Pastor Reuben emphasized that this love isn’t merely an emotion; it’s often costly and requires patience and kindness, especially in relationships. It’s the evidence the world sees that identifies us as Christ’s disciples (John 13:35).

Think about the connection: Faith receives from God, and Love gives to others. Faith connects us vertically to God, while love connects us horizontally to the world and the church family. Without active love, even great faith or numerous good works profit nothing (1 Corinthians 13). Our faith journey deepens as we receive God’s kindness and love, which in turn should lead us to repentance and a changed life, motivating us to express that same love outwardly.

Are we actively allowing our faith to work through love? Does our belief in God manifest in how we treat our family, friends, colleagues, and fellow believers? True faith isn’t passive; it’s an active force that, fueled by God’s love for us, flows out in love towards others. This dynamic duo forms the bedrock upon which the rest of our spiritual house is built.

Building requires a solid foundation. Let’s ensure our lives are firmly established on faith that actively receives from God and love that actively demonstrates His character to the world. This is where the building truly begins.

Pause and Reflect

1. In what specific ways does your faith in God actively influence how you interact with others daily?
2. Reflect on a time when showing love (patience, kindness, forgiveness) felt costly or difficult. What did you learn about faith working through love in that situation?
3. How can you be more intentional this week about allowing your faith to manifest through practical acts of love towards those around you?

Faith in Action

1. Identify one relationship where you can more intentionally practice patience or kindness this week, seeing it as an outflow of your faith.
2. Spend time thanking God for His grace received through faith, and ask Him to show you one specific way to share His love with someone today.
3. Read 1 Corinthians 13 slowly, asking the Holy Spirit to highlight one aspect of love He wants you to focus on developing.

A Moment With God

Ask God to deepen your understanding of how faith and love intertwine. Pray for opportunities to demonstrate faith-filled love and for the strength to love even when it’s difficult, reflecting His character to the world. identity in Christ.

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