LOVE WITH FAITH

LOVE WITH FAITH

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Ephesians 6:23-24

Key Verse: Ephesians 6:23 (KJV)

“Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Supporting Texts: John 13:34-35; Galatians 5:6; 1 Corinthians 13:1-13; Ephesians 3:16-19; Colossians 1:4; 1 John 4:7-12; Hebrews 11:6.

Description: This sermon teaches that genuine Christian living requires love and faith working together, because faith connects us to God while love demonstrates the reality of our relationship with Him and with one another.

INTRODUCTION

Love and faith are two essential foundations of the Christian life. Faith enables us to trust God, receive His promises and walk in obedience to His Word, while love enables us to demonstrate His character through our relationships and conduct. Christianity cannot be properly understood or practised when these two virtues are separated. Faith without love can become cold, proud and self-centred, while love without faith lacks the spiritual foundation and confidence that come from trusting God. God's desire is that believers should grow in both love and faith and allow them to work together in every area of life.

In Ephesians 6:23, Apostle Paul writes, “Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” This greeting is more than a polite expression at the conclusion of his letter. Paul is pronouncing spiritual blessings upon the believers. He desires that they experience peace, love and faith as gifts that flow from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. The expression “love with faith” reveals the inseparable relationship between these two Christian virtues. The Ephesian believers needed to remain strong in faith, but their faith must also be demonstrated through genuine love for God and for one another.

Today, the Church needs believers whose faith is strong and whose love is sincere. We must not be people who confess great faith but demonstrate hatred, bitterness, selfishness and unforgiveness. Neither should we claim to love God while refusing to trust His Word or obey His instructions. True Christian maturity is revealed when faith and love work together. As we study this subject, may the Lord deepen our faith, enlarge our capacity to love and make our lives practical expressions of His grace.

1. LOVE AND FAITH ARE GIFTS THAT COME FROM GOD

Paul's prayer in Ephesians 6:23 identifies God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ as the source of the blessings of love and faith. This means that genuine Christian love and faith are not merely products of human personality or natural ability. They are rooted in God's grace and are developed in our lives through our relationship with Him.

Human love can sometimes be influenced by convenience, personal interest and emotions. Human confidence can also fail when circumstances become difficult. However, the love and faith that God produces in believers are grounded in His character and His truth. We must therefore depend on Him to develop these virtues in our lives.

a) God Is the Source of Genuine Love (1 John 4:7-8)

The Bible declares that love is of God and that everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. It further states that God is love.

This means that genuine Christian love originates from God's nature. We cannot fully demonstrate the love of Christ while depending only on human feelings or personal strength. We need the transforming work of the Holy Spirit in our hearts.

When God's love fills our lives, it changes the way we think about people, respond to offences and treat those who may not be able to repay our kindness.

Practical Application: Ask God to fill your heart with His love. Refuse to allow hatred, jealousy and bitterness to dominate your relationships.

b) Faith Comes Through the Word of God (Romans 10:17)

The Bible teaches that faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. Faith is not simply positive thinking or the ability to imagine good outcomes. Biblical faith is confidence in God's character and trust in what He has revealed in His Word.

The more we receive and understand Scripture, the more our confidence in God is strengthened. His promises become the foundation of our expectations, decisions and conduct.

A believer who neglects God's Word will struggle to maintain strong faith, especially when confronted by trials and uncertainty.

Practical Application: Give regular attention to Bible study, preaching and meditation on Scripture. Build your faith on God's promises rather than on changing circumstances.

c) The Holy Spirit Produces God's Love in Us (Romans 5:5)

Paul teaches that the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost, which is given unto us.

Christian love is not merely an outward behaviour we try to imitate. The Holy Spirit works within us, transforming our hearts and enabling us to express the love of Christ.

As we surrender to the Holy Spirit, He helps us become patient, kind, forgiving, compassionate and considerate. He empowers us to love even when it is difficult.

Practical Application: Depend on the Holy Spirit daily. Allow Him to correct your attitudes and produce the character of Christ in you.

d) We Receive Faith Through God's Grace (Ephesians 2:8)

The Bible teaches that salvation is by grace through faith, and that it is the gift of God. We are not saved because of our personal achievements or religious accomplishments. We are saved because of God's grace, received through faith in Jesus Christ.

This should produce humility in every believer. We have no reason to boast as though our salvation were the result of our own greatness. We must remain grateful for the grace that brought us into God's family.

Practical Application: Live with gratitude for God's saving grace. Trust Him daily and give Him the glory for every spiritual victory in your life.

Biblical Example: The Woman Who Anointed Jesus (Luke 7:36-50)

A woman known for her sinful past came to Jesus with an alabaster box of ointment. She wept at His feet, wiped them with her hair, kissed them and anointed them. Jesus recognised her demonstration of love and declared that her sins were forgiven. He also told her that her faith had saved her and that she should go in peace. Her encounter illustrates how faith in Christ and love expressed through devotion can become visible in a person's life.

2. TRUE FAITH MUST WORK THROUGH LOVE

One of the clearest biblical connections between love and faith is found in Galatians 5:6. Paul declares that what matters in Christ Jesus is faith which works by love. This means that genuine faith does not remain an empty confession. It expresses itself through love, obedience, compassion and service.

A person may claim to have great faith, but if that faith produces no love, something is missing in their Christian experience. Faith should bring us closer to God and make us more compassionate towards people. The more we trust Christ, the more our lives should reflect His character.

a) Faith Works Through Love (Galatians 5:6)

Paul makes it clear that faith works by love. Faith and love are not competing virtues; they complement one another. Faith gives us confidence in God, while love demonstrates the reality of that faith in practical relationships.

We cannot claim to trust a God who commands us to love while deliberately living in hatred and bitterness towards others. Our faith should influence how we treat people, respond to difficulties and fulfil our Christian responsibilities.

Practical Application: Examine whether your faith is producing genuine love. Let your trust in God be demonstrated through kindness, forgiveness and practical service.

b) Faith Without Works Is Dead (James 2:17)

James teaches that faith without works is dead, being alone. Genuine faith produces visible evidence in the life of the believer.

If someone claims to have faith but refuses to help a brother or sister who is in need, that person's confession is not being demonstrated through practical action. Faith must influence our behaviour.

Love is one of the clearest ways faith becomes visible. When we care for people, meet genuine needs and serve others, we demonstrate the practical consequences of our faith.

Practical Application: Do not limit your Christianity to words. Let your faith be seen through acts of kindness, generosity and obedience.

c) Love Gives Evidence That We Know God (1 John 4:7)

John teaches that everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. This means that love is evidence of a genuine relationship with the Lord.

Our knowledge of God should produce a change in our attitudes and relationships. We cannot continually receive God's mercy while refusing to show mercy to others.

Love is not merely an emotional experience; it is a spiritual quality that should become increasingly visible as we grow in Christ.

Practical Application: Let your relationships reflect your knowledge of God. Treat people with patience, respect and compassion.

d) Faith Must Produce Obedience (Hebrews 11:8)

By faith Abraham obeyed when God called him to leave his country and go to a place that he would later receive as an inheritance. His faith was demonstrated through obedience.

True faith does not merely agree with God's promises; it responds to His instructions. When we believe God, we become willing to follow His Word even when the outcome is not immediately clear.

Love also expresses itself through obedience. Jesus said that those who love Him should keep His commandments.

Practical Application: Identify areas where God is calling you to obey Him. Do not allow convenience or fear to prevent you from following His Word.

Biblical Example: The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37)

A man was attacked by robbers and left wounded on the road. A priest and a Levite passed by without helping him, but a Samaritan stopped, treated his wounds and provided for his recovery. His compassion was demonstrated through practical action. This teaches us that genuine love is not merely expressed through religious language; it must be demonstrated through what we do for others.

3. LOVE IS THE EVIDENCE OF GENUINE CHRISTIANITY

Jesus identified love as the distinguishing mark of His disciples. He did not say that people would recognise His followers merely by their religious titles, church attendance, spiritual gifts or public achievements. He declared that their love for one another would demonstrate that they belonged to Him.

Love is central to Christian identity because it reflects the character of Christ. We may possess knowledge, gifts and abilities, but without love, our Christian testimony becomes incomplete. The Church must therefore be known not only for its preaching and activities but also for the love its members demonstrate.

a) Love Is the Commandment of Christ (John 13:34)

Jesus commanded His disciples to love one another as He had loved them. This was not a suggestion or an optional Christian practice. It was a command from the Lord.

The standard of Christian love is the love Christ demonstrated. He loved sacrificially, patiently and faithfully. He cared for people, served them and ultimately gave His life for humanity.

We must therefore reject selfishness and learn to put the good of others into consideration.

Practical Application: Make a conscious decision to practise the love of Christ in your family, church, workplace and community.

b) Love Is the Mark of Christ's Disciples (John 13:35)

Jesus said that all people would know His disciples by their love for one another. Love is therefore a testimony that the world should be able to observe in the Church.

When believers continually fight, gossip, discriminate and destroy one another, their behaviour contradicts the message they preach. However, when they demonstrate forgiveness, kindness and unity, they reflect the character of their Master.

Practical Application: Let your attitude towards fellow believers demonstrate that you are a genuine disciple of Jesus Christ.

c) Love Must Be Sincere and Without Hypocrisy (Romans 12:9)

Paul commands believers to let love be without dissimulation. This means that Christian love must be genuine, not pretended or motivated by hidden selfish interests.

Some people express affection when they need something but withdraw when they have nothing to gain. Genuine Christian love is not based merely on personal benefit. It seeks the good of others and remains committed to truth.

Practical Application: Be sincere in your relationships. Do not pretend to love people while secretly seeking to harm or exploit them.

d) Love Covers a Multitude of Sins (1 Peter 4:8)

Peter teaches that believers should have fervent love among themselves because love covers a multitude of sins. This does not mean that love excuses or conceals wrongdoing in a way that protects evil. Rather, it means that genuine love is patient, forgiving and unwilling to magnify every offence.

Love does not encourage bitterness or revenge. It seeks restoration where possible and responds to human weaknesses with grace and wisdom.

Practical Application: Refuse to keep a record of every offence. Practise forgiveness while maintaining appropriate boundaries and standing for what is right.

Biblical Example: Jonathan and David (1 Samuel 18:1-4; 20:16-17)

Jonathan loved David as his own soul. Even when his father, Saul, became hostile towards David, Jonathan remained committed to their friendship. He protected David, encouraged him and demonstrated loyalty despite the personal cost. Their relationship illustrates sincere love expressed through loyalty, sacrifice and concern for another person's welfare.

4. FAITH MUST REMAIN STRONG IN EVERY SEASON

Faith is not only necessary when life is comfortable. It is especially important when believers face trials, uncertainty, opposition and disappointment. Genuine faith remains anchored in God's character even when circumstances appear unfavourable.

Love must also remain active during difficult seasons. It is easy to speak about love when everyone treats us well, but Christian maturity is revealed when we continue to demonstrate godly character under pressure. We must therefore develop a faith that endures and a love that does not fail when tested.

a) Faith Trusts God in Difficult Circumstances (Proverbs 3:5-6)

The Bible commands us to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and not lean on our own understanding. This means that our confidence in God must not depend entirely on whether we understand what is happening around us.

There are seasons when the reasons for our challenges are unclear. We may not understand why certain prayers have not yet been answered or why some opportunities have been delayed. Nevertheless, we can continue to trust God's wisdom and faithfulness.

Practical Application: When you face uncertainty, take your concerns to God and continue to obey His Word. Do not allow unanswered questions to destroy your confidence in Him.

b) Faith Overcomes Fear (2 Timothy 1:7)

God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind. Fear can weaken faith and prevent believers from taking necessary steps of obedience.

Faith does not mean that we never experience fear. It means that we refuse to allow fear to become greater than our confidence in God.

As we trust the Lord, He gives us courage to confront challenges and remain faithful.

Practical Application: Confront fear with God's promises. Take responsible steps of obedience instead of allowing fear to control your decisions.

c) Faith Perseveres Through Trials (James 1:2-4)

James teaches that the trying of our faith works patience. Trials can become opportunities for spiritual growth when we respond with trust and perseverance.

Difficult seasons reveal the strength of our convictions and teach us to depend more deeply on God. We must not abandon our faith simply because the journey becomes demanding.

Practical Application: Remain steadfast when you encounter challenges. Pray, seek godly counsel and continue doing what is right.

d) Love Must Remain Active Under Pressure (1 Corinthians 13:7)

Paul teaches that love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things and endures all things. Genuine love is not easily destroyed by disappointment or inconvenience.

This does not mean that believers should tolerate abuse or ignore wrongdoing. It means that Christian love must be patient, resilient and guided by truth.

When relationships are tested, we must seek God's wisdom to respond with grace rather than bitterness.

Practical Application: Do not allow difficult experiences to turn your heart against people. Ask God for grace to remain loving, wise and faithful.

Biblical Example: Job (Job 1:20-22; 2:9-10; 19:25)

Job experienced the loss of his possessions, children and health. Despite his suffering, he continued to acknowledge God's sovereignty. He declared his confidence that his Redeemer lived. Although he struggled with painful questions, his story demonstrates the importance of holding on to faith during severe trials.

5. LOVE AND FAITH MUST WORK TOGETHER IN OUR DAILY LIVES

The purpose of Christian teaching is not merely to increase our knowledge but to transform our daily conduct. Love and faith must become visible in our homes, churches, workplaces and communities. They should influence our speech, decisions, relationships and service.

A believer who has faith in God should demonstrate love towards people. Likewise, a person who claims to love others must be willing to trust God's Word and obey His instructions. When these two virtues work together, they produce a balanced and fruitful Christian life.

a) Demonstrate Love Through Practical Service (Galatians 5:13)

Paul teaches believers that they have been called unto liberty, but they should not use their freedom as an opportunity for the flesh; rather, they should serve one another by love.

Christian freedom is not permission to live selfishly. It gives us the opportunity to serve God and others with willing hearts.

Love becomes meaningful when it moves beyond words and produces helpful actions.

Practical Application: Look for opportunities to serve people. Use your time, resources and abilities to meet genuine needs.

b) Demonstrate Faith Through Generosity (2 Corinthians 9:7-8)

Paul teaches that God loves a cheerful giver and is able to make all grace abound towards His people. Generosity is one way faith expresses itself.

When we trust God as our provider, we can give willingly and responsibly. Christian generosity should not be motivated by pressure, manipulation or the desire for public recognition. It should flow from gratitude and love.

Practical Application: Be generous according to your ability. Support the work of God and help people in genuine need with a sincere heart.

c) Demonstrate Love Through Forgiveness (Ephesians 4:32)

Paul instructs believers to be kind, tender-hearted and forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake has forgiven them.

Forgiveness is a practical expression of the love we have received from God. It is sometimes difficult, especially when the offence is painful, but the grace of Christ enables us to release bitterness and pursue healing.

Practical Application: Refuse to allow unforgiveness to dominate your heart. Pray for those who have offended you and seek reconciliation where it is safe and appropriate.

d) Demonstrate Faith and Love Through Faithful Service (1 Corinthians 15:58)

Paul encourages believers to be steadfast, unmoveable and always abounding in the work of the Lord. Our labour in Christ is not in vain.

Faith keeps us committed to God's assignment, while love gives us the right attitude towards the people we serve. We must not serve merely for recognition, position or personal advantage.

Practical Application: Serve God faithfully with humility and love. Do not become discouraged when your efforts are not immediately recognised.

Biblical Example: The Macedonian Churches (2 Corinthians 8:1-5)

The Macedonian believers experienced deep poverty and affliction, yet they demonstrated remarkable generosity towards others. They gave willingly and beyond what might have been expected, first giving themselves to the Lord. Their example reveals how genuine faith and love can produce sacrificial generosity even in difficult circumstances.

6. THE CHURCH MUST GROW IN LOVE AND FAITH

Paul's prayer in Ephesians 6:23 was directed towards the brethren. This reminds us that love and faith are not merely private virtues; they are essential to the health and growth of the Church. A congregation may have programmes, buildings, talents and resources, but it must also be established in love and faith.

A church that grows in faith becomes confident in God's Word and committed to His mission. A church that grows in love becomes a place where people are welcomed, encouraged, strengthened and cared for. Both are necessary for a healthy Christian community.

a) The Church Must Be Rooted and Grounded in Love (Ephesians 3:17-19)

Paul prayed that believers would be rooted and grounded in love and come to understand the breadth, length, depth and height of Christ's love.

Love must be the foundation of Christian relationships and ministry. Without love, church activities can become empty religious performances.

A congregation established in Christ's love will demonstrate patience, forgiveness, generosity and concern for the spiritual welfare of its members.

Practical Application: Help build a church culture where every member is treated with dignity, compassion and genuine Christian love.

b) The Church Must Be Established in Faith (Colossians 2:6-7)

Paul instructs believers to walk in Christ, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith.

The Church must be firmly grounded in biblical truth. It should not be controlled by every new idea, false teaching or popular opinion. Strong faith comes from knowing Christ and remaining committed to His Word.

Practical Application: Support sound biblical teaching, discipleship and prayer in your church. Encourage believers to grow in the knowledge of God's Word.

c) Love Must Unite the Members of the Body (Colossians 3:14)

Paul describes love as the bond of perfectness. Love brings together the different members of the body and helps preserve unity.

The Church contains people with different gifts, experiences and responsibilities. Love enables us to appreciate one another and work together without unnecessary competition.

Practical Application: Celebrate the gifts of others. Avoid jealousy and rivalry, and work together for the advancement of God's kingdom.

d) Faith and Love Must Increase in Every Believer (2 Thessalonians 1:3)

Paul thanked God because the faith of the Thessalonian believers was growing exceedingly and the love of every one of them towards one another was increasing.

This is a beautiful picture of Christian maturity. Faith should not remain static, and love should not become cold. Both must increase as believers continue to grow in Christ.

Practical Application: Examine your spiritual progress. Ask God to increase your faith and enlarge your capacity to love others.

Biblical Example: The Church at Thessalonica (1 Thessalonians 1:2-8; 2 Thessalonians 1:3)

The Thessalonian believers became examples to other Christians through their work of faith, labour of love and patience of hope. Despite opposition, they received the gospel and demonstrated commitment to Christ. Paul celebrated their growing faith and increasing love. Their example shows what happens when faith and love work together in a congregation.

CONCLUSION

Ephesians 6:23 reminds us that love and faith are precious blessings that come from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Faith enables us to trust God's Word, receive His promises and remain steadfast through trials. Love enables us to reflect God's character through our relationships, service and conduct. These two virtues must never be separated. Faith without love becomes empty and unbalanced, while love without faith lacks the spiritual foundation that comes from knowing and trusting God. Genuine Christianity is demonstrated when our faith works through love.

Make a fresh commitment to grow in both love and faith. Trust God more deeply, study His Word consistently, depend on the Holy Spirit and demonstrate Christ's love in practical ways. Forgive those who offend you, encourage the weak, serve faithfully and pursue unity in the body of Christ. Let your faith be visible through your love, and let your love be strengthened by your faith. May God establish you in love and faith and make your life a testimony of His grace, in Jesus' name.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, increase my faith and fill my heart with the genuine love of Christ, in Jesus name.

2. Lord, deliver me from every form of hatred, bitterness, jealousy and unforgiveness, in Jesus name.

3. Father, let my faith produce practical expressions of love and obedience, in Jesus name.

4. Holy Spirit, transform my character and help me reflect the love of Jesus, in Jesus name.

5. Lord, strengthen my faith during every season of trials and uncertainty, in Jesus name.

6. Father, teach me to love sincerely without hypocrisy or selfish motives, in Jesus name.

7. Lord, make me generous, compassionate and committed to serving others, in Jesus name.

8. Father, let love and faith increase continually in my family and church, in Jesus name.

9. Lord, help me to remain steadfast in Your Word and faithful in my Christian walk, in Jesus name.

10. Father, make my life a testimony of genuine faith and Christlike love, in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. Your faith shall grow stronger, and your confidence in God's promises shall not fail.

2. The love of Christ shall fill your heart and influence every area of your life.

3. You shall overcome bitterness, hatred, jealousy and every attitude that destroys relationships.

4. Your faith shall produce visible obedience, generosity and good works.

5. You shall love sincerely, forgive freely and serve others with a willing heart.

6. In every season of difficulty, your faith shall remain anchored in the faithfulness of God.

7. Your home shall be established in love, faith, peace and godly understanding.

8. Your church shall grow in genuine love, spiritual maturity and unwavering faith.

9. You shall become a blessing to others through your words, actions, gifts and service.

10. Your life shall continually demonstrate the power of faith working through love, in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.