James 1:6-8 “But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. (7) For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; (8) he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.”
Doubt and unbelief are synonymous terms. We have already looked at the above quoted passage of scripture when we discussed the concept of becoming fully convinced in our minds. Nevertheless it is worthwhile to quote this passage of scripture in this section as well, because in this passage the Holy Spirit very clearly tells us that those who doubt can be assured that they will receive nothing from the Lord. In other words their prayers will go unanswered, for if Jesus could not heal the sick in His hometown of Nazareth because of their unbelief then He will also not be able to answer any prayers offered to Him in doubt and unbelief, it is that simple.
Galatians 5:6 “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love.”
There is one other area that will prevent our faith from working, which is when we are not walking in love. In the passage of scripture quoted above the Holy Spirit teaches us that our faith works through love. In other words if we are not walking in love then our faith can no longer work for us. So why is that? Well you will recall that the doctrine is called faith toward God, which means that our faith is in the supernatural power of God. And so if we are not walking in love then we are no longer walking in fellowship with God for God is love, and those who are out of fellowship with God cannot expect Him to hear and answer their prayers.
1 John 3:21 “Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God.”
The above quoted passage of scripture plainly declares that that if our hearts do not condemn us then we have confidence toward God. In other words we can exercise our faith in God and in His power. When believers are walking outside of love however their hearts will condemn them and they therefore no longer have confidence toward God. Without confidence toward God it is impossible to exercise faith in God’s power. And so there is no getting around it, not walking in love will prevent your faith from working. So if you are out of love toward anyone, repent and get back into love as quickly as possible, for as soon as you do your faith will begin to work for you once again.
Michael E.B. Maher
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