Faith in Action: Living What We Believe
by Bob Dahm
“The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.” – Galatians 5:6
In the Bible, faith is defined in Hebrews 11:1 as "the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." It involves a deep trust and confidence in God, His promises, and His Word, even when these things are not visibly apparent.
As a young person in Sunday school, one encounters words like faith, promises, trust, and salvation. But words in isolation can be too vague for a youngster to comprehend. When I began teaching Sunday school, it was imperative to study these concepts in depth. These studies made me more aware of God’s promises, how the people of the Old Testament reacted to their responsibilities, and how often they turned their attention to the ways of the world.
In the New Testament, Jesus teaches us that faith is an active, saving trust in God and His Word, involving acknowledging the truth of His promises, resting in Him alone for salvation, and living a life that demonstrates this commitment through action and obedience.
In the Sermon on the Mount, we learn the attributes of a true believer. These traits help us build the value system that puts us in harmony with Jesus. Then, later in His discussions with the disciples, we are given our marching orders; namely, feed the hungry, clothe the naked, provide for the thirsty, welcome the stranger, and visit the sick or injured. Or to summarize, love the Lord your God, and love your neighbor.
James, the brother of Jesus, writes in his letter, “True faith is faith in action.”
Journaling:
If my faith is truly shaping my life, what should people see me doing differently?