“If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.” 1 Corinthians 13:2.
The Bible defines faith as the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen (Heb 11:1). It involves trust and confidence in God and His promises. Love is the conduit through which faith operates effectively. In other words, faith finds its expression and effectiveness through acts of love. Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son Isaac (Gen 22) and Rahab’s protection of the Israelite spies (Jos 2) were both acts of faith rooted in love for God and others. Love serves as the motivation behind genuine faith. When we truly love God and others, our faith becomes active and dynamic, driving us to trust God more fully and to serve others selflessly. Genuine faith naturally produces love as one of its fruits. As stated in Gal 5:22–23, love is listed as the first fruit of the Spirit, indicating its integral role in the Christian life. True faith is not merely intellectual assent but results in action motivated by love. James 2:14–17 emphasises the importance of deeds accompanying faith, demonstrating its authenticity.
Faith without love is ineffective, for it is through love that faith finds its true power. As it is written in Gal 5:6, “For in Christ Jesus, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love.“ To walk in faith grounded in love, one must diligently study and understand the Word of God. As 2 Tim 3:16–17 states, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete and thoroughly equipped for every good work.” Furthermore, Ephesians 3:17–19 emphasises the importance of being rooted and established in love, stating, “so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith… And I pray that you… may have power… to grasp… how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.”
The gospel encompasses teachings on love, repentance, forgiveness, and other foundational principles. As stated in Matt 22:37–39, “Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” Love is not merely a concept; it is a practical demonstration of kindness, forgiveness, and compassion, even in challenging circumstances.
True love covers sin and wrongdoing, seeking restoration and reconciliation instead of judgement and condemnation. As 1 Peter 4:8 affirms, “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” Through honest self-reflection in the light of God’s love, we can experience personal growth and gain a deeper understanding of our faith walk.
God’s transformative love extends mercy and forgiveness, leading to salvation. As John 3:16 reminds us, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” Walking in love requires not only forgiving others but also acknowledging our own faults and shortcomings. As Romans 12:9 urges, “Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what’s good.”
Faith and love are intertwined components of the Christian life. By aligning our faith with love, we can experience the fullness of God’s blessings and effectively impact the world around us. Our relationship with God and others is deeply influenced by the interplay of faith and love. As we grow in faith, our love for God, for God’s children, and for our neighbour should also deepen, leading to a more vibrant and impactful Christian life.
Paul commanded the Colossians Christians: “We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God’s people—the faith and love that spring from the hope stored up for you in heaven and about which you have already heard in the true message of the gospel.” Colossians 1:3-5.
Author
kay.alli@legalview.co.uk