As believers, we're often reminded of the importance of faith in our walk with God. However, faith without love is incomplete and ineffective. In this sermon, we'll explore the biblical principle that faith must be activated and energized by love.
The Foundation of Faith and Love
Galatians 5:6 (NIV) states, "The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love." This verse highlights the inseparable connection between faith and love. Faith is not just a mental assent or a feeling, but it must be demonstrated through actions motivated by love.
The Rules of Faith
Faith has certain principles that govern its operation. One of the key rules is that faith must be accompanied by love. As 1 Corinthians 13:2 says, "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."
Examples of Faith Activated by Love
Here are five biblical examples that illustrate the power of faith activated by love:
The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37): The Good Samaritan demonstrated faith activated by love when he showed compassion to the wounded traveler. His actions were motivated by love, which fueled his faith to take action.
The Woman with the Issue of Blood (Mark 5:21-43): This woman's faith was activated by her love for Jesus and her desire to be healed. She demonstrated her faith by taking action and touching Jesus' cloak, and her love motivated her to persevere despite the challenges she faced.
Abraham's Sacrifice (Genesis 22:1-14): Abraham's faith was tested when God asked him to sacrifice his son Isaac. Abraham's love for God and his trust in God's promise fueled his faith to obey, even in the face of uncertainty.
The Centurion's Faith (Matthew 8:5-13): The centurion's faith was activated by his love for his servant and his trust in Jesus' authority. He demonstrated his faith by asking Jesus to heal his servant, and his love motivated him to show compassion and care.
Jesus' Ministry (Matthew 9:35-36): Jesus' ministry was characterized by faith activated by love. He demonstrated his love for humanity by healing the sick, feeding the hungry, and preaching the gospel. His faith was fueled by his love for the Father and his desire to fulfill the Father's will.
Faith and love are inseparable components of the Christian life. As we seek to live a supernatural life, we must remember that faith must be activated and energized by love. By checking our hearts and ensuring that our actions are motivated by love, we can demonstrate faith that moves mountains and accomplishes great things for the kingdom of God.
