Jesus notified His disciples of their need to have “faith as a grain of mustard seed” (Matthew 17:20 ASV) in order to do wonderful deeds for him. We are aware of how small a grain of mustard is, yet, within it dwells the properties of a plant that is bountiful and productive. Faith is important even in small amounts. Still, there is a modifing set of words by the inspired Paul. Paul noted that if he had faith so that he “could remove mountains” (1 Corinthians 13:2) but did not have faith mixed with love, he would not be profited any!
This modification did not conflict with Jesus’ expectations about love being so needed by His servants, but the modification dwelt with the mission of the Lord in Paul’s hands. Faith has to be mixed with love as we teach, serve, do benevolence toward others, have compassion in heart for the needy or send missionaries out to the world. Why? Those who traveled across the wilderness did not enter God’s rest (Hebrews 4:1-10) due to not believing as they should have believed. They would have argued the existence of God with anyone, but serve God’s will from day to day, no. Are we unceasing in our day to day love for God and teaching others about this love and obedient faith? Or, will we fail to enter the rest of God due to the fact that we have a faith in his existence, but do not serve him from day to day?
Others will see our lack of love. Teaching and acts of service will be served to empty hearts due to our lack of love seen as we speak, serve or preach. Paul revealed the necessity of love in what we do as well as faith as a grain of mustard seed. Love will keep us serving and impress others with the message we deliver more than mountain moving methods we use.
