Previously we had talked about the "Order of Faith", and that it speaks on this wise: The primary purpose and function of faith is not to get a bigger house, a nicer car, more money, etc. But rather the primary purpose and function of faith is to please God. Now, with the purpose and function of our faith established toward God, we now look at what actually makes our faith effective.
In Galatians 5:6, the Apostle Paul says, "For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything; the only thing that counts is faith working through love." (NRSV). According to this passage, faith works or is made effective through love.
So, what is love? Well, we have a biblical definition and description of it in I Corinthians 13:4-8(a) - "Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends." (NRSV).
So, as we use our faith to please (love) God, we must also use it to love people. For, "Those who say, 'I love God,' and hate their brothers or sisters, are liars; for those who do not love a brother or sister whom they have seen, cannot love God whom they have not seen." (I John 4:20 - NRSV).
So, as important as faith is to our walk with God, just remember that it is nothing if it is not fueled by love. Love is how our faith is made effective, and is therefore how we are able to please God to the utmost.
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