Faith Working through Love

October 30, 2025

Galatians 5:6

“For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.” 

2 Timothy 4:6–8

“For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 

For Paul, faith was never a quiet or private conviction; faith was the driving force of the Apostle's entire life. In his letter to the Galatians, he spoke to a community that often measured their value through outward signs of faith, like circumcision, rituals, and strict rule-following. Paul dismissed all these distractions with a straightforward yet profound truth: "What truly matters is faith expressed through love."

Faith, as Paul understood it, was not about checking boxes or somehow proving oneself righteous. It was about being transformed by Christ’s love so deeply that it naturally overflowed into love for others. His life embodied this truth. Paul, once a persecutor of Christians, transformed into a devoted servant of Christ, dedicating himself to the very people he once opposed. Every journey he took, every challenge he faced, and every letter he penned from prison testified to a faith that was unwavering and alive.

In his final letter, Paul looked back on a life of endurance and sacrifice. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” Notice what he doesn’t say, he doesn’t boast of his achievements of number of churches planted, or the number of converts that came to belief in Jesus through his ministry. The Apostle Paul rejoices in faith that lasted, faith that worked through love until the very end. 

I believe what Paul shows us is that faith is not passive, lifeless, or inactive belief, rather faith in Paul's view, is revealed in a life poured out in love.

 

Let's Pray

God, may my faith shine through love and perseverance. Teach me to give myself selflessly to others, as You gave Yourself for me. Let my love be genuine, my service full of joy, and my life a true reflection of Your grace. Amen.