Colossians 1
Faith is believing, but it is so much more. Verse 4 says, “For we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus [the leaning of your entire human personality on Him in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness] and of the love which you [have and show] for all the saints (God’s consecrated ones).” Faith is about reliance on God to the point of obedience. We lean on God for His power and ability to act, His wisdom on how to act, and His goodness and love on the way His acts. This reliant faith is also demonstrated in a love for one another. This kind of love is more than a smile or act of kindness. This love is unwavering commitment in a covenant relationship, unity and harmony in unending fellowship, building up and believing the best in one another, serving and helping one another. Love had its roots in the loving and yielded relationship with have on the Lord. If you want me to know your faith, show me in your love.
Isaiah 41-42
Have you ever wondered where God was or if He really was working on your behalf? Israel had these questions, and God responded. I like the New Living Translation of Isaiah 41:10, “I have chosen you and will not throw you away.” God reaffirms His love and attention for Israel, and He’ll do the same for us. We shouldn’t doubt His love, even in times where our faith is being tested and strengthened. He loves us with an unending, unstoppable love.
Much of chapter 42 is about Jesus. In verse 3 it says, “A bruised reed He will not break, and a smoking flax He will not quench (extinguish).” This verse is just about a reed, but a bruised and damaged one. It’s not just the wick of burning candle, but it’s smoking, close to going out. I have a nephew that is a very strong young man with a little sister. When he was young, he didn’t know his own strength, but he had to learn to be gentle with my niece. I think of Jesus as strong and powerful, yet he’s gentle with us, knowing our weaknesses. For some who have been through abuse or failure, Jesus tenderly cares for us. What a Savior!
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