This is the second installment of our series exploring divine virtues, following our previous discussion on love. Today, we delve into the topic of faith, an essential virtue that complements and expands upon the foundations of love. If you haven’t had the chance to catch up on our exploration of love, you can find it here for a deeper understanding of the divine virtues we are exploring.
Faith: Trusting in the Unseen
Faith is another divine virtue that we should demonstrate in our lives. Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1). Faith is not just a belief or a doctrine, but a trust and a confidence. It is not based on our sight or our senses but on God’s word and His promises. Faith is not wishful thinking or blind optimism, but a firm conviction and a sure expectation.
Faith is the divine virtue that pleases God the most and rewards us the most. Without faith it is impossible to please God, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). By faith we receive salvation from sin and death (Ephesians 2:8–9). By faith we receive forgiveness from guilt and shame (1 John 1:9). By faith we receive healing from sickness and disease (James 5:15). By faith we receive provision from lack and want (Matthew 6:33). By faith we receive victory from temptation and trial (1 John 5:4). By faith we receive wisdom from confusion and doubt (James 1:5). By faith we receive strength from weakness and fatigue (Isaiah 40:31). By faith we receive joy from sorrow and grief (Psalm 30:5). By faith we receive peace from anxiety and fear (Philippians 4:6-7).
Faith is the divine virtue that enables us to live by God’s power and not by our own. By faith we walk by the Spirit and not by the flesh (Galatians 5:16). By faith we live by grace and not by law (Romans 6:14). By faith we live by the kingdom and not by the world (Colossians 1:13). By faith we live by the truth and not by the lie (John 8:32). By faith we live by the light and not by the darkness (1 John 1:7).
Faith is the divine virtue that connects us to God’s resources and His realities. By faith we access His grace and His glory (Romans 5:2; 2 Corinthians 3:18). By faith we inherit His promises and His blessings (Hebrews 6:12; Ephesians 1:3). By faith we see His vision and His plan (Habakkuk 2:4; Jeremiah 29:11). By faith we hear His voice and His guidance (John 10:27; Psalm 32:8). By faith we feel His love and His presence (Romans 8:38–39; Psalm 16:11).
Faith is the divine virtue that transforms us from the inside out and from the outside in. By faith we are justified and sanctified (Romans 5:1; 1 Corinthians 6:11). By faith we are regenerated and renewed (Titus 3:5; 2 Corinthians 4:16). By faith we are adopted and accepted (Galatians 4:5; Ephesians 1:6). By faith we are empowered and equipped (Ephesians 3:16; 2 Timothy 3:17). By faith we are fruitful and productive (John 15:5; Colossians 1:10). By faith we are witnesses and ambassadors (Acts 1:8; 2 Corinthians 5:20).
In conclusion, faith in God is not just a mere belief or intellectual exercise, but a transformative force that has the power to change every aspect of our lives. It is through faith that we are justified, sanctified, regenerated, and renewed. It is through faith that we are adopted and accepted as children of God. It is through faith that we are empowered and equipped to live out our purpose. And it is through faith that we bear fruit and become effective witnesses for Christ.
Therefore, let us put our trust in God and allow Him to work in us and through us, knowing that He will never fail us. May our lives be a testament to the power of faith in the one who can do exceedingly abundantly above all we could ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20). Trust in God by faith, for He is faithful and able to do immeasurably more than we could ever hope for or imagine.
Discovering the transformative power of faith is the second part of the series. As we delve deeper into the divine virtues, we unlock a new realm of hope. Hope, the confident expectation of God’s goodness, sustains us through trials and motivates us to live for His glory. It is grounded in God’s character and promises, allowing us to rejoice, trust, and rest in Him despite life’s challenges. Hope fills our hearts with joy and peace, inspiring us to live beyond the temporal and seek God’s eternal purposes.
This divine virtue serves as an anchor, keeping us tethered to God’s reality and future. Our hope is founded on past salvation, the present companionship of the Holy Spirit, and the future promise of an eternal home with Him. As bearers of hope, we are compelled to share God’s love and gospel, transforming our lives and the lives of those around us.
