Faith works by love is something you've probably heard for long. (Galatians 5:6)
For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love. Galatian 5:6
But the thing is:
You have been asking God to open a particular door in your life for you for weeks, months, or years, but the situation has not changed. You don't know what's wrong because you have done everything by the book, but your prayers seem to be hitting the roof. You love God; you read his word daily, fast, serve others, and go to church.
What is one supposed to do when their faith seems not to be working, yet they love God?
It is frustrating.
But could it be that your approach is wrong? Have you turned love into works? Have you focused on your love for God instead of God's love for you all this while?
Go back to the Word and see if you are within context because for God's love to work, you need to:
Understand God's Love
Our God is the true definition of love.
God loved us while we were still sinners, so he does not give us things because we deserve them, God blesses us because he's good and he loves to lavish good things on his children. (1 John 4:7-8)
When we turn love into works, we nullify God's love for us. It is not about your performance or how good you are. It is about how much your heavenly Father loves you.
Someone who loves you will not withhold any good thing from you. Our Father finds pleasure in our happiness. He will not refuse to give you what you are asking for if it is within his will.
Immerse Yourself in God's love
When you go before God’s throne of grace, do you see Him as a loving father who is ready to listen to your prayers? Or do you see him as a harsh master who is ready to punish you?
Spend time in the word so that you can see God for who he is.
Ask him to show you how much he loves you. Immerse yourself in his love, and as you do that, it will become easier for you to see him answering your prayers. (Jeremiah 31:3)
God is not in heaven folding his hands as you suffer. Your heavenly Father wants to help you more than anything. He cares about all of us, but you need to believe that for your faith to work.
Our Father cares so much about us; that is why he gave up his only son for us all that we may find freedom, love, healing, and eternal life. (1 Peter 5:7)
Take time to understand this love and ask the Holy Spirit to help you. If there is anything in your heart that is blocking you from receiving God's love, ask to remove it.
In short:
The more you know about God's love, the more you will love him and believe that what he says is true. His love will cause you to trust him more, and your faith will grow.
Remember, it's not about how much you love God; it is about how much he loves you.
