FAITH
In listing faith among the fruits of the Spirit, Paul obviously does not mean faith in Christ, but faith in men. Such faith is not suspicious of people but believes the best. Naturally the possessor of such faith will be deceived, but he lets it pass. He is ready to believe all men, but he will not trust all men. Where this virtue is lacking men are suspicious, forward, and wayward and will believe nothing nor yield to anybody. No matter how well a person says or does anything, they will find fault with it, and if you do not humor them you can never please them. It is quite impossible to get along with them. Such faith in people therefore, is quite necessary. What kind of life would this be if one person could not believe another person?
The quote above is from Martin Luther’s commentary on Galatians. It reminds me once more of the “love” verses in 1 Corinthians.
“Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” (1 Cor. 13:7)
When we love others, we believe in them. We think the best of them. We want the best for them. This doesn’t comes naturally (there go the works of the flesh rearing their heads again!). It is so much easier to criticize, to envy and be distrustful. This kind of faith requires taking a risk. It requires humility. It requires sacrifice and putting the other person first.
Sometimes our faith in others will be disappointed, but often it will be rewarded. It will make both parties better people. Be a faithful friend, spouse, parent, neighbor — you may change somebody’s life, and you will surely change your own.
Lutheran Ladies Connection 