10th.: A Faith Driven by Love
Abram’s response to God (i.e. “and he believed in the Lord” (Gen. 15:6)),
so pleased God that “He counted it to him for righteousness” (Gen. 15:6b).
Centuries later, the writer of the book of Romans added,
“Abram staggered not at the promise of God, through unbelief,
but was strong in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully persuaded that,
what He had promised, He was able to perform.
And, therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness” (Rom. 4:20-22).
God looks for people to believe Him - to take Him at his word.
God is not insecure. But God wants to know, (or is it, so that we will know?) that we love him.
Galatians 5:6 gives us this principle, “For in Christ Jesus, neither circumcision (following the Jewish Law absolutely perfectly) avails anything, nor uncircumcision (not following the Jewish Law) but faith, - which works by love”.
God wants our faith in Him to be driven by a love for Him.
A faith driven by love is the most enduring kind, because “love never fails” (1st Cor. 13:8a).
“But without faith, it is impossible to please him. For he that comes to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” (Heb. 11:6)