true faith
"Take not the word of truth from my mouth." —Psalm 119:43
Hananiah appeared to have great faith when he prophesied that Babylon would fall within two years and Israel would return from exile (Jer 28:2ff). However, Hananiah was a false prophet and his faith was fake.
Jeremiah appeared to have little faith when he prophesied that the Babylonian exile would last for seventy years (Jer 25:11). However, Jeremiah was a true prophet and a man of faith.
Faith, like love, is based on truth. Sometimes faith is not expecting the best at first, but rather by repentance facing the worst so as to remove the obstacles to the best. "Faith is confident assurance concerning what we hope for, and conviction about things we do not see" (Heb 11:1), and the "things not seen" are in accord with the truth.
Sometimes we hear: "You need more faith to be healed." This isn't always true. We also hear: "Don't blame yourself for lack of faith if you're not healed." This also isn't always true. Some say: "I have faith; so I'm saved." This is true if you have the true meaning of faith. But what if you don't? Men and women of faith can easily say things about faith which are not true. Remember, Jesus is the Truth (Jn 14:6). Therefore, faith in Jesus must always be in Truth.
Prayer: Father, may truth overshadow every aspect of my life.
Promise: "Those who ate were about five thousand, not counting women and children." —Mt 14:21
Praise: Before beginning a controversial church council, St. Eusebius insisted all present attest to the truth by jointly signing their agreement to the Nicene Creed.
Reference: (For a related teaching, order our tape The Saved on audio AV 82-1 or video V-82.)
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Richard L. Klug, January 16, 2004
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, January 26, 2004