Love: A Faith Barometer

We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing.

2 Thessalonians 1:3 ESV

Have you ever said to yourself, “I need to increase my faith”?

Maybe you have read a book, or listened to a sermon series that encouraged your faith.

It’s fairly common for us to review our relationship with God, but less common to focus on the outward expression of our faith, which is love.

Do you ever look at your life and think “I am not loving others enough, therefore my faith is lacking” ?

Faith isn’t simply head knowledge of the Bible or Jesus; even Satan and his demons believe that Jesus died and rose from the dead (James 2:19).

We must realize that true faith produces fruit, and that fruit is love.

Paul understood that the church in Thessalonica was increasing in their faith because their love for each other was also increasing. Paul told Timothy that he is to love from a pure heart, good conscience, and a sincere faith (1 Timothy 1:5).

Our faith is ultimately in a God who showed love towards us his enemies, through the death of his son on a cross (Romans 5:10).

Unfortunately, many who are outside the church see it as a people who have faith in a God or Bible that produces the fruit of hate and condemnation instead of love.

Our faith in Jesus should show through our love towards those both outside and inside the church.

Do you feel as though your faith is strong, yet you seem to not show love towards others?

Take some time with the Lord today and search your heart; are your actions expressing your faith in God? Do others feel loved when they interact with you? Try seeing your love for others as a barometer for your faith in Jesus & see how it can change your life (and the lives of those around you!).