It is helpful to consider faith as a way of life. Faith is not a "thing" we have or need to get ; it is a quality of relationship lived out each day with God and with one another.
Let these statements stimulate your thinking:
--"A life of faith is a life free to welcome the kingdom of God."
--Faith is "living in God's promises, and living toward God's envisioned future."
--"Faith" concerns attentive engagement in a promissory relationship (Brueggemann).
--"Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not (yet) seen." --Hebrews 11:1
The terms in the New Testament Greek translated "faith" are "pistis" (noun) and "pisteuo" (verb). They convey: belief to the extent of complete trust and reliance; fidelity; to be entrusted. They are relational terms.
In Luke Chapter 17, the disciples respond to Jesus' teachings, which they perceive as too difficult, by demanding, "Give us more faith." Jesus says, "If you had faith the size of a mustard seed, you could say to ths mulberry tree, "Be uprooted and planted in the sea, and it would obey you."
So the disciples recongize that our faith comes from the Lord. Jesus tells them that they don't need "more" faith; any faith will do. The image of the tiny mustard seed, which Jesus sues elsewhere, intimates that faith is something planted within us that is nurtured and grows in healthy relationship.
There is much to study in the scriptures about faith, and much fidelity, entrusting, careful attention, and fruitfulness to experience in our relationships with God. Feel free to comment and add!
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