What counts?

For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything; the only thing that counts is faith working through love. ~ Galatians 5:6

The only thing that counts is faith working through love.

Say it with me one more time: the only thing that counts is faith working through love.

Martin Luther wasn't a fan of the letter of James - partically because of how he saw James' stand on "works." "Faith without works is dead." He pitted him in a sense then against Paul and his view that we are saved only by grace though faith.

But what is Paul saying here? "The only thing that counts is faith working though love."

In other words, faith without love isn't really faith, is it?

How can we fully trust the one who loves us if our faith isn't moving us to love others?

And if that love isn't bearing fruit?

Faith is faith when it is grounded in love.

But then again...

Faith is indeed faith when it is grounded in love. Faith is faith not just when we love but BECAUSE we are first loved.

Maybe Luther was onto something after all: our faith works through the love God has for us.

Either way, it's all about faith and love, isn't it?

May my faith remain always grounded in the love you have for me, Lord, that I may then love beyond myself. Amen