Debunk Lies with Ephesians Part 13 Grow in Faith and Love
"For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people.." Ephesians 1:15
Common Lie: My faith in God is purely personal and private, and I don't need to care for others or join a spiritual communit
In Ephesians 1:3-14, Paul sums up every spiritual blessing bestowed upon every believer, setting a firm foundation for what follows. Moving into Ephesians 1:15, Paul expresses his gratitude and prayers for his fellow believers, beginning with the phrase "For this reason." This phrase connects the spiritual insights about election, redemption, and sealing of the Holy Spirit to the practical outworking of those doctrines: steadfast faith in God and love for all people.
The integration of faith and love is crucial. Faith isn't merely intellectual assent but a deep, transformative trust that begins with a relationship with Jesus and naturally flows into loving others. This is the first evidence of genuine faith, mirroring the second greatest commandment—to love one's neighbor. Authentic faith results in love for others and serves as an indicator of our spiritual health and heart condition.
Just as Jesus selected twelve disciples from diverse backgrounds who had disputes, this group acted as a training ground to integrate their faith in Him with love for one another. Similarly, in church and spiritual group settings, we must navigate our differences, which helps us to grow in faith and love.
Thus, Christian faith is not lived in isolation but is expressed through loving relationships. It is not a purely private affair; rather, it manifests in both vertical love towards God and horizontal love towards others.
Scripture Immersion:
Reach out to a community member or neighbor and show care and love, reflecting on how this act is an extension of your faith.
Prayer:
Abba Father, I renounce the lie that my faith is private and that there's no need to care for others. Thank you for the spiritual blessings in Christ, which call me to a life of faith and love. Help me to live out Ephesians 1:15 by growing in faith and expressing that faith through genuine love for others. May my relationships with others reflect Your love for me. In Jesus' name, Amen.
