Faith is not an achievement. It is not the fruit of superior intelligence, morality, or spiritual effort. Scripture repeatedly insists that faith is granted — bestowed by God’s grace. If we see and hear, it is not because we are wiser or better, but because God has opened our eyes and ears.
This truth humbles us, but it also commissions us. The gift of faith does not make us rulers over others, but servants of those who have not yet seen or heard. Faith bends us downward, not upward: into guidance, into patience, into companionship.
- Faith is a Divine Gift
Paul is emphatic:
“For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him.” (Philippians 1:29)
Faith itself is “granted” — given as a grace. The same theme resounds in Ephesians 2:8–9:
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”
Faith, then, is not the mark of spiritual superiority. It is the unearned privilege of being awakened.
- Eyes to See, Ears to Hear
Jesus blesses his disciples with words that echo both Torah and prophecy:
“Blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear.” (Matthew 13:16)
This language comes straight from Deuteronomy 29:4:
“But to this day the Lord has not given you a mind that understands or eyes that see or ears that hear.”
The ability to perceive God’s truth has always been seen as a gift — something granted, not generated. To “have ears to hear” is not a matter of effort, but of grace.
- Gift That Makes Us Servants
If faith is a gift, what is its purpose? Paul answers plainly:
“We preach… Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.” (2 Corinthians 4:5)
“We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak… Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up.” (Romans 15:1–2)
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)
The gift of faith is not for self-congratulation. It is for service. Those who see are called to walk with those who do not yet see; those who hear are called to speak patiently to those who do not yet hear.
- Gentle Guides and Companions
Paul makes this practical in his pastoral charge:
“The Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth.” (2 Timothy 2:24–25)
Notice the pattern:
We are called to gentleness and teaching.
God alone grants the awakening.
We guide, but we do not force. We walk beside, but we do not drag along. We become companions until God opens the ears and eyes of another.
Conclusion
Faith is a gift — but not a gift meant to be hoarded. To be given eyes to see and ears to hear is to be entrusted with the sacred vocation of service. We are not spectators of divine grace; we are participants in its flow.
Our faith obliges us to walk alongside those still blind or deaf to God’s presence, not as judges, but as companions and guides. Every act of patience, every burden shared, every kindness offered is part of the law of Christ: the law of love.
Faith is grace received.
Servanthood is grace enacted.
Walking beside others is grace fulfilled.
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