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Written by Keith Butler

"For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision avails anything, nor uncircumcision; but faith which works by love" (Gal. 5:6).

There is a very important ingredient we need in order to operate by faith rather than by fear. The ingredient is love because faith works by love.

Well, what kind of love are we talking about here? We're talking about agape love, which is unconditional love. Now, the English language is not a very expressive language and so we use the word "love" for just about everything. "I love chicken, I love dogs, and baby, I love you." Right?

Now obviously, we hope the heart intent is different with all three, but that's how loosely we handle the word "love." However, the Greek usage of the English word "love" has four different words.

• Eros, which means physical intimacy.
  
• Storge, which refers to affection, as in love for children, the elderly.
  
• Phileo, which says I see something valuable in you, you see something valuable in me, so I love you.
  
• Agape, which is the love the scripture is talking about. It's the God kind of love. It means love God's covenant, God's decree, and love out of your sovereign will.

Agape says, I am in covenant with you and I will love you no matter what. I don't care if you don't do what I want you to do, look the way I want you to look, act, or talk to me the way I want you to. All of that has nothing to do with you. I love you anyway and my love for you will never change.

Well guess what? Romans 5:5 says this God kind of love is in us. You and I have the ability to walk in it. When we act on the Word of God, then the love of God is perfected in us or is allowed to run its full course in every area of our lives. But first, we have to learn to walk in love according to the Word.

The Scripture says there is no fear with love. Perfect love casts out any fear in your life. Fear and love cannot work together. Fear is always based on selfishness and love is always based on giving. They are totally opposite of each other.

First John 4:12 clearly states, "...If we love one another, God dwells in us, and his love is perfected in us." So perfect your love walk, it's the key ingredient that operates your faith.

Scripture References: 1 Corinthians 13:1-8; 1 John 2:5.

Keith Butler Ministries
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