As we drove past a semi on the highway, my father mentioned that some large trucks have an extra set of wheels. Heavily loaded trailers require additional weight distribution over an increased number of wheels. So, when needed, the retractable set is lowered. When the trailer is empty, however, the additional wheels are raised to improve fuel efficiency and decrease wear and tear on the tires. The wheels are always available, yet their true purpose and value is only revealed when the truck is fully loaded.
Just as additional wheels are essential to pull a loaded truck trailer, so too faith and love are necessary for believers in Jesus to keep moving forward in their walk with God. The early church leaders regularly commended the believers for these two spiritual qualities (Ephesians 1:15; Colossians 1:4; 2 Thessalonians 1:3). They’re often mentioned in relation to what is required to face trials and persecution. Faith and love grew strong and carried the early church through difficult times, spurring them on in their walk with God and in their effectiveness as His “true ministers” (2 Corinthians 6:4-7).
Although Paul, Silas, and Timothy suffered opposition to the good news of Jesus Christ in Thessalonica, there were those who received the message, accepted, and believed it as coming from God (1 Thessalonians 1:6, 2:13). The apostles applauded the believers for their “faithful work . . . . loving deeds, and . . . enduring hope . . . because of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thessalonians 1:3, emphasis added). These actions flowed from genuine faith.
As believers in Jesus, may we grow in faith and love as He works through us to establish His kingdom on earth.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Proverbs 5:1-23
More:
Read Ephesians 1:15-17 and see how Paul lifts up faith and love as desired qualities of the church at Ephesus.
Next:
How are you growing in faith and love? Why do these two qualities allow believers in Jesus to better withstand the challenges of life?
Gary Shultz on May 20, 2017 at 5:57 am
Hi Ruth: Faith and love, two bedrock portions of everybody’s effective walk. I am often amazed when Christ would ask do you have faith, do you believe? For someone expecting a healing event, that would be one question you would want to get right. The father of the demonic son, I believe, had the true picture, help my unbelief. He was somewhat persuaded that Jesus had the power, but he knew he did not have rock solid faith. The disciples over and over were challenged, where is your faith, having observed and being involved in many of Christ’s miracles. So, faith is not gained over night and love is also a growing quality in a believer. We need both desperately, but they are matured with time and the investment in getting to know God. The basic disciplines of study, prayer, meditation, and of course obedience, will be ingredients in a life that will be lived by faith, learning to love this great God. Thanks Ruth
Ruth O'Reilly-Smith on May 20, 2017 at 5:49 pm
Absolutely Gary – we grow in love as we intentionally choose to love God, ourselves and others, and we grow in faith as we daily step out in faith (no matter how small), and trust our Heavenly Father. That father’s prayer is also my prayer – “Lord, help my unbelief.”
remembered on May 20, 2017 at 11:52 am
Amen Gary, and what beautiful thoughts on Faith and Love! We may rejoice evermore, that God reveals Himself in such a personal and personable Way, yet how humbly!
The kingdom of God cometh not with observation…the kingdom of God is within you. Luke 17:20, 21
…greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. 1 John 4:4
Ruth O'Reilly-Smith on May 20, 2017 at 5:43 pm
Hi there, great hearing from you today. Thanks for your thoughts. I’m also reminded of the words of Jesus on faith: “I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it would move. Nothing would be impossible” – Matthew 17:20.