Proving Our Faith - Martin Wiles

God publicly endorsed Jesus of Nazareth by doing wonderful miracles, wonders, and signs through him, as you well know. Acts 2:22 NLT

When I began dating my wife, I had to prove I loved her. Although I loved her initially, only saying that wasn’t sufficient. Actions were required—actions that included telling her I loved her and showing her in various ways. We went on dates, I bought her presents, and I showed her affectionate acts. I tried not to get angry with her. If I offended her, I apologized.

She loved me from the beginning, too, but she didn’t completely trust me. Through actions and words that proved my love for her, I also proved she could trust me—a necessary ingredient in any lasting relationship. By the time we married, she trusted and loved me completely. But marriage didn’t stop the need to prove my love. I continue to say and do things that let her know I love her.

As Peter preached to the crowd on the Day of Pentecost, he reminded them how God had proven that Jesus was the Messiah of the world. God allowed Him to perform miracles and other wonders that no ordinary human could do. During His short three-year ministry, Jesus continually did things that proved His identity and love for humanity.

While God saves us by his grace and our faith in Him, we must prove our faith to others and ourselves. Such proof doesn’t come through an arrogant attitude and parading around as if we’re better than those who don’t follow Christ. The light we shine shouldn’t say, “I’m better than you.” Such an attitude repels instead of draws.

Good works prove our faith. Because we have the love of Christ in our hearts, we desire to share that with others through various means. There are myriad ways we can show good works. If we ask, God will give us opportunities and the wisdom to respond to them.

Consistency is also crucial when it comes to good works. A spurt of love now and again won’t suffice. God expects us to do godly things for others regularly. He also expects love to be the motivating factor behind those good works, not a guilty conscience or any other undesirable characteristic.

Think of ways you can prove your faith to others.

Father, I ask for opportunities to show others the love You have shown me and your love for them. 

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