“Faith is rooted in tangible acts of love.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – October 9, 2025
For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love. Galatians 5:6, ESV
We’re often told to “Have a little faith.” Typically, this admonition comes in times of doubt or skepticism, moments when we’re tempted to believe the worst or question the possibility of a good outcome. Framed this way, faith is little more than an empty emotion, an attempt to hold on to “good vibes” and the belief that things will work out.
In Scripture, faith is rooted in tangible acts of love.
Consider St. Paul’s words from Galatians 5:6, “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.” Most translations use this phrase, “faith working through love,” though some vary slightly, such as “faith which worketh by love” (KJV) or “faith expressing itself in love” (NLT), yet the heart of Paul’s encouragement is captured in all of them. Faith cannot be reduced to positive thoughts or an emotional response. Faith is made real and worked out through the lives we lead and how we show our life with Christ to be true.
Here I am reminded of one of Paul’s most famous verses, this time written to Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:7. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” Do you see how “faith” is surrounded by words of action? When we fight the good fight, when we race toward the kingdom of God without losing sight of the finish line, it is in these actions that we are living faithful lives.
Our Lord longs for us to have hearts and minds that are tenderly disposed toward him. Yet from this interior life that is animated by his grace, we must also strive for a vibrantly active faith, one that shows our love for God to be true in the way we love others, laying down our lives in response to the sacrificial love shown perfectly upon the cross of Christ.
Prayer
Father, may our faith in you be shown through the lives we lead, loving others just as we have been loved, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Application
What does it look like for you to “keep the faith” in this season of life?
Related Reading
Micah 6:8; John 13:34-35; James 2:17
Worship Resource
Bristol House, Brenna Bullock: Love Divine All Loves Excelling
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