The work of finding answers

Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. (1 Peter 3:15 ESV)

 For most of my life I’ve described my faith as a “Jesus-loves-me-this-I-know” type of faith. Jesus said He loved me. The Bible tells me so. I didn’t have a lot of questions. And when I did, I was usually satisfied with answers like “only God knows” or “you just have to take this one by faith.”

Part of it was the fact that I received a pretty solid foundation in the Bible, and it served me well. My faith was deep and grounded. Part of it could also be classified as lethargy. I didn’t always want to do the work of finding answers, defending my faith, and actually seeking a logical basis for my beliefs.

My husband is the opposite. He has a very conscientious, studious approach to his faith. When he has a question about the meaning of a verse, or hears something quoted but isn’t convinced of the context, he’ll get on his Bible app looking at various translations, referencing Greek and Hebrew words, cross-referencing what he finds with supporting verses, etc. His faith has no basis in his emotions, but rather grows from his continual study of God’s Word and evidence of its truth.

I admire his discipline. He’s taken the Bible’s recommendation to “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15) - Marie Alvero [1]

We are saved by faith alone, but not by faith that remains alone. – Martin Luther

[1] Activated Great Faith