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Faith: The Foundation for Christian Living

The apostle Paul highlights that faith is the cornerstone of a believer’s relationship with God. Romans 10:14-17 underscores this when it states, “But how are men to call upon him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? … So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes by the preaching of Christ.” Faith originates through hearing the Word of God, which is made available by those proclaiming the gospel.

Faith, in its foundational sense, is trust and reliance on the promises and power of Jehovah. Hebrews 11:1 describes faith as “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Without this foundation, the believer cannot begin to walk in obedience to God’s will.

Faith in the Apostolic Age

During the apostolic age, the Holy Spirit miraculously bestowed faith to meet the challenges of the early Christian ministry. First Corinthians 12:8-9 explains, “For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit.” This miraculous faith was necessary for the apostles and early Christians to fulfill their unique role in laying the foundation of the church. However, such gifts ceased with the completion of the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 13:8-10).

While the miraculous bestowal of faith is no longer available today, the principle remains: faith leads to action. Hebrews 11 recounts the faith of figures like Noah, Abraham, and Moses, emphasizing their deeds as evidence of genuine faith.

Faith Without Love Is Nothing

Though faith is indispensable, it cannot stand alone. First Corinthians 13:2 offers a striking observation: “If I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.” Jesus similarly used hyperbole to illustrate the power of faith when he said, “If you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you shall say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you” (Matthew 17:20). While this expression highlights the extraordinary power of faith, it is clear from Scripture that faith must be accompanied by love to have true spiritual value.

Love: The Greatest Commandment

Love is the defining characteristic of a disciple of Christ. When Jesus was asked which commandment was greatest, he answered, “You shall love Jehovah your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:37-39). Love for God naturally flows into love for others, making it the supreme virtue of the Christian life.

The Danger of Faith Without Love

History offers examples of individuals whose faith failed because it was devoid of love. Judas Iscariot initially demonstrated faith when he followed Jesus and performed miracles (Matthew 10:1-22). Yet his lack of love for Christ and for Jehovah ultimately led to his betrayal. Similarly, Adam and Eve had a form of faith in Jehovah, acknowledging his existence and power. However, they chose self-interest over love for their Creator, leading to sin and death (Genesis 3:1-6; Romans 5:12).

James 2:19 also warns of a hollow form of faith: “You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder.” True faith must produce works of love, for “faith apart from works is dead” (James 2:26).

Love in Action: The Evidence of True Faith

Love is not merely an emotion but an active commitment to seek the welfare of others. First John 3:17-18 admonishes believers: “But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.” Faith without works of love is incomplete.

Paul further emphasizes the practical application of love in relief work. In 2 Corinthians 8:1-15, he commends the generosity of the Macedonian churches, who gave beyond their means to support their fellow Christians. Their giving was motivated by love, not by compulsion, as Paul observes, “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).

The Supremacy of Love

Paul declares in 1 Corinthians 13:13, “So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” While faith and hope are vital, love surpasses them because it reflects the very nature of Jehovah. First John 4:8 states, “Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.” Love is eternal, continuing into the new creation, while faith and hope will find their fulfillment.

The Selfless Nature of Love

True love is selfless and sacrificial. Jesus set the ultimate example by offering himself for humanity’s salvation. Philippians 2:5-8 exhorts believers to emulate Christ: “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”

Love seeks no recognition or reward. Jesus warned against ostentatious displays of charity in Matthew 6:1-4, teaching, “But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”

Conclusion: Faith and Love in Harmony

Faith is the foundation of the Christian life, but it must be perfected by love. Galatians 5:6 succinctly summarizes this relationship: “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.” This harmonious interplay of faith and love ensures that the believer’s life glorifies Jehovah and fulfills his will.

Faith motivates action, but love ensures that those actions are aligned with God’s character and purposes. As Paul observes, “If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal” (1 Corinthians 13:1). Therefore, Christians must continually cultivate both faith and love, striving to reflect the selfless love of Christ in every aspect of their lives.

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About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).