October 20
October 20
If someone were to ask you what trusting God looks like, what would you say?
It is important to be clear about the nature of true biblical faith. Multiple texts in the Bible define what true faith in God is. Faith is much more than an intellectual assent to the existence of God. Millions of people say that they believe in God, but in no way, shape, or form does this “belief” shape how they live. In fact, many who say they believe that God exists live in a way that actually mocks his holiness, authority, and grace. The way you live is a better indicator of what you truly believe than whatever religious words you might say. Faith is a radical change of heart that leads to a decisive difference in the way you live your life. If you really do believe in the God of the Bible; if you take his self-declaration to be true; if you believe that what he says about you and what you need is true; if you believe in the necessity and historicity of the work of his Son; and if you believe in the moral call of his commands, then every area of your life will reflect this faith.
Luke records a particular what-faith-looks-like moment. Jesus turns to his followers and says, “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you” (Luke 6:27–28). To those listening then as well as to us, this is radically counterintuitive. We understand loving our friends and family, but loving our enemies—even to be willing to pray for them—is another matter. What would motivate us to live in this way? When faced with mistreatment, what has the power to keep us from responding in kind? Jesus answers these questions:
If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful. (Luke 6:32–36)
Jesus warns us that being kind and loving to people who reciprocate isn’t necessarily a sign of true faith, because even unbelievers do that. Only when you’re so convinced of God’s existence, the wisdom of his commands, and the reliability of his promises can you look evil in the face and not only be unafraid, but respond with the same mercy that God grants people every day. May grace produce the courage and mercy of faith in us.