Acknowledging The Good Things About Our Faith

Paul expressed his desires for Philemon to effectively communicate his faith in the Lord through his actions (1 Jn 3:18). It’s not based upon his own knowledge, opinions, or material possessions, but purely through the application of his faith (Jms 2:20). As bible-believing Christians, we can also effectively communicate our faith by acknowledging “every good thing” which is in us “in Christ Jesus!” When the woman with an alabaster box of very precious ointment of spikenard came to Jesus, she broke the box and poured the content on His head. Onlookers immediately criticized her wasteful action.

They ridiculed her because of their lack of faith, instead of being convicted by the kind of faith that she just communicated to them, which pleased the Lord Jesus when He said, “she hath wrought a good work on Me” (Mk 14:6)! Philemon’s “love and faith” (v. 5), toward Jesus and all the saints was the “good thing” that he effectively communicated to others! Paul praised young Timothy for his “unfeigned faith” (2 Tim 1:5), while the Thessalonian believers were remembered for their “work of faith, and labour of love” (1 Thes 1:3). Paul was not causing them to be puffed up, but he was merely acknowledging the good things about their faith!

The benefits of acknowledging every good thing that is in us in Christ Jesus is not for our pride or “vain glory” (Gal 5:26), but for us to be an encouragement to others more effectively! Most ministry workers often forget that their “work and labour of love” (Heb 6:10), “is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Cor 15:58). Some folks may see their work as a small thing. However, their prayers, their presence, their faithfulness, and their willingness to help, will always be acknowledged as good things and big things to God! May we always demonstrate a good spirit of love (Jn 13:34), compassion (Jude 1:22), and genuine interest on others (Mt 19:19), in our local churches! God bless you!

- Pastor Melito Barrera