This Scripture is found in Galatians 5:6. Actually, this verse can be split into two parts. One, “faith works” (the result of genuine conversion) and two, “by love” (the fruit of genuine conversion). Genuine faith works. Saving faith is active faith. James explains this in his epistle, chapter 2:14-26, and he concludes: “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.”
However, not all “religious activity” represents our Lord Jesus properly. The only fruitful, rewarding activity of faith is one that has agape love as its motive. 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 states this very plainly. People have worked and died for various beliefs and causes; therefore, the mere act in and of itself is worthless as far as the Kingdom of God is concerned.
God is looking for that expression of love as the basis of our works. You see, to quote our text, Scriptural faith works by agape love. If there is no agape, there is no valid work. It amounts to nothing. Our example of agape is God Himself who so loved us (the motive) that He gave (the act) His Son to die in our place. We must follow that pattern. As we grow in God’s grace, we inevitably grow in His love, for He is love and love is of Him.
Actually, love is also an expression of obedience to Jesus. John 14:15 records that Jesus said: “If you love Me, keep My commandments”, and in 15:10: “If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love”. Therefore, to “walk in love” is in harmony with walking in obedience. It is in this kind of atmosphere that true faith works. Yes, the work of faith and labor of love go hand-in-hand.
When Paul wrote to Philemon on behalf of Onesimus, he declared that he thanked God for him always. Why? Because he had heard of his love and faith toward the Lord Jesus and all the saints. The breastplate that we are to wear is defined in 1 Thessalonians 5:8 as “faith and love”. The two are inseparable.
As you go about your ways this week, keep in mind that the faith of Christ is always practical. Seize every opportunity that God gives you. “Serve the Lord with gladness.” Get into the flow of what God is doing in your life, because He is working in you “both to will and to do of His good pleasure.”
