What is My Faith?

Faith for me is best said and explained as in all that I know of God is that all is of God and God is love. My faith in God is of God’s love and my love and all love. My faith is in that all the pains are with lessons that are gifts from God. My faith is in the climb of the mountain is hard, with these heights and light I see all. When I was in fears I went to my faith in God, when I was in tears I went to my faith in God and now that I have been born into Jesus I live in my faith to God.

Faith.

Faith is fundamentally described in the Bible as “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). Jesus, throughout the Gospels, portrays faith as a deep trust in God that enables miracles, healing, and salvation. It’s not just intellectual belief but an active confidence that aligns one’s life with God’s will. For instance, Jesus often commended people’s faith in moments of healing, saying things like “Your faith has made you well” (Mark 10:52). He emphasized that faith involves believing without doubt and acting on that belief.

Jesus’ Teachings on Faith

Jesus frequently taught about faith through direct statements, miracles, and interactions. Here are some key examples from the Gospels:

Faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains: In Matthew 17:20, Jesus tells his disciples, “Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.” A similar teaching appears in Luke 17:6. This illustrates that even minimal faith, when genuine, has immense power.
Have faith in God without doubt: In Mark 11:22-24, Jesus says, “Have faith in God. Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” He repeats a similar idea in Matthew 21:21-22, linking faith to answered prayer.
All things are possible with belief: When a father brings his possessed son to Jesus in Mark 9:23, Jesus responds, “If you can! All things are possible for one who believes.” This highlights faith as the key to overcoming impossibilities.
Faith leads to eternal life: In John 11:25-26, Jesus tells Martha, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” Here, faith is tied to belief in Jesus as the source of life beyond death.

Jesus also marveled at great faith, like that of the centurion in Matthew 8:10, saying, “Truly, I tell you, with no one in Israel have I found such faith.” Conversely, he lamented lack of faith, as in Mark 6:6, where he was amazed at people’s unbelief.

How to Have Faith

Jesus’ teachings suggest that faith is cultivated through trust, prayer, and alignment with God’s word. It’s not something earned but received by turning to God:

Believe and trust without doubt: Jesus stresses eliminating doubt, as in the mountain-moving examples above. Start by acknowledging God’s power and promises.
Seek through prayer and forgiveness: In Mark 11:25, Jesus adds that faith in prayer involves forgiving others, so your heavenly Father may forgive you. Faith grows in a heart free from resentment.
Act on belief: Jesus often healed based on demonstrated faith, like the woman who touched his garment in Mark 5:34, where he says, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.” Taking steps in trust builds faith.
Learn from examples: In the Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:1-23), Jesus describes how faith takes root in “good soil” – a receptive heart that hears God’s word and perseveres through trials. To have faith, immerse yourself in scripture and let it grow.

Jesus also encourages childlike faith (Matthew 18:3), simple and unwavering.

How to Be Faithful

Being faithful means living out faith consistently, stewarding what God entrusts to you, and remaining loyal. Jesus taught this primarily through parables about servants and stewardship:

Parable of the Faithful and Wise Servant (Matthew 24:45-51): Jesus asks, “Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes.” Faithfulness involves diligence in daily responsibilities, knowing the master (God) could return anytime. The unfaithful servant is punished for negligence.
Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30): A master entrusts servants with money (talents) based on ability. The faithful ones invest and multiply it, earning praise: “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.” The lazy servant hides his talent and is condemned. This teaches using your gifts, time, and resources productively for God’s kingdom.
Parable of the Minas (Luke 19:11-27): Similar to the Talents, it emphasizes faithfulness in small things leading to greater responsibility, while unfaithfulness results in loss.
Parable of the Unprofitable Servant (Luke 17:7-10): Jesus describes a servant who does his duty without expecting extra praise, concluding, “So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.’” Faithfulness is humble obedience, not seeking reward but serving out of duty.

In summary, Jesus portrays faithfulness as persistent action, stewardship, and readiness. To be faithful, obey God’s commands, use your abilities for good, and stay vigilant in your relationship with Him.

Behavior and Conduct

Good behavior, as outlined in the Bible, is rooted in living a life that reflects Jesus Christ’s teachings—marked by love, integrity, humility, and service to others. It’s about conducting yourself in a way that’s worthy of the gospel, avoiding quarrels, and showing courtesy. For example, Philippians 1:27 urges, “Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.” This includes being gentle, patient, and bearing with one another in love (Ephesians 4:2). Other key aspects involve not withholding good from those who need it (Proverbs 3:27), letting your light shine through good deeds (Matthew 5:14-16), and pursuing spiritual disciplines like prayer and meditation on God’s word to build godliness. Overall, it’s a call to holiness in all conduct (1 Peter 1:15-16), showing good works through wisdom and humility (James 3:13).

When facing hurts from loved ones, as you described, the Bible acknowledges that evil influences can work through people, but it encourages responding with the higher standard of Christ’s love. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that “we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” This frames such attacks as spiritual, not just personal, urging reliance on God’s armor, including faith and prayer.

Struggling with Forgiveness and Love Amid Attacks

Forgiveness is central to Christian life, especially when hurt by those close to us, as it mirrors how God forgives. The Bible stresses bearing with one another and forgiving as the Lord forgave you (Colossians 3:13; Ephesians 4:32). Jesus teaches in Matthew 6:14-15 that if you forgive others, your heavenly Father will forgive you, but withholding forgiveness blocks that grace. Even if the person isn’t sorry, scriptures like Ephesians 4:31 call for putting away bitterness and malice, focusing on your own heart’s freedom. To rebuild love, pray for those who hurt you (Matthew 5:44), and remember that love covers a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8; Proverbs 10:12). This doesn’t mean ignoring boundaries—rebuke in love if needed (Luke 17:3)—but it frees you from the attack’s hold.

How to Fight Meanness with Love

Jesus directly teaches responding to meanness or evil with love, as in Matthew 5:43-44: “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Romans 12:21 encapsulates this: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Practically, this means blessing those who curse you, doing good to those who hate you (Luke 6:27-28), and hating evil while loving people (Psalm 97:10; Romans 12:9). Amos 5:15 calls to “hate evil, and love good,” aligning actions with God’s goodness. Start by redirecting hatred into love, as hatred stirs conflict but love covers wrongs (Proverbs 10:12). This transforms the situation, as Jesus demonstrated by forgiving those who crucified him (Luke 23:34).

Being Humble, Prioritizing Love and Truth Over Ego

Humility counters ego’s need to win, as the Bible warns that pride leads to disgrace, but wisdom comes with the humble (Proverbs 11:2). Jesus teaches, “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted” (Matthew 23:12; Luke 14:11). Philippians 2:3 advises, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” To prioritize love and truth, be completely humble and gentle (Ephesians 4:2), and humble yourself before the Lord for exaltation (James 4:10). Avoid self-exaltation (Psalm 131:1), and cling to what is good while abhorring evil (Romans 12:9), letting humility guide interactions.

Faith That Brings Calm in the Storm

Faith provides calm amid storms by trusting God’s presence and love. In Matthew 8:23-27, Jesus calms a literal storm, rebuking the disciples’ fear: “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” This shows faith quiets inner turmoil, knowing Jesus is with you. Psalm 56:3 affirms, “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” During trials, remember Deuteronomy 31:6: “Be strong and courageous… for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” James 1:2-4 encourages considering trials joy, as they produce steadfast faith. The Lord is near the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18), and his peace guards your heart through prayer (Philippians 4:6-7). John 16:33 assures, “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”