“Faith is the only thing that will close the gap between our theology and our reality.” This quote by Beth Moore has been brewing in my mind all weekend. I am becoming increasingly more aware of the hypocrisy and inconsistency between word and deed, belief and action. I “mean well” but I don’t always do well. I wonder, if I am not living in obedience to God’s commands do I really even believe His commands? There is a gap between my theology and my practice. The old saying “Actions speak louder than words” comes to mind. Often times our beliefs and our actions don’t align. We think our theology and ideas sound good and we believe them, but they have not changed our hearts. I have most recently seen this in relationships.

This weekend I was talking with some friends about what it means to “love fervently”(we were discussing 1 Peter 1). We agreed this does not mean a love that ignores sin or problems. It is talking about a love that cares enough to speak the truth gently. It is love that will confront or challenge. True love goes deeper than the surface. It wants to know “How are you growing spiritually?”. It does not avoid conflict, but seeks to resolve it. Sometimes I think that godly love sounds like such a beautiful picture, but this weekend I was challenged to ask myself, do I really love that way? Do I think that I care about people, or do I show them? Something I pray for and think about alot is unity. It seems that unity has to do mostly with harmony and peace between believers. Our lives must be mutually intertwined so that we can support and encourage one another. Philippians 1:27 says, “Stand firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.” Paul wanted believers to keep sins (partiality, bitterness, criticism and pride) from spreading throughout the church. I can be praying and hoping for unity all that I want, but could completely miss its meaning. I shouldn’t pray for unity and then gossip about someone. I cannot hope that relationships can be restored while harboring bitterness in my heart. I shouldnt’ be angry that a friend is in sin, and never talk to them about it. If unity and fervent love are something that really matter to me, I cannot simply wish it on everyone else…it must start with me. I must put away pride and partiality and seek to love others fervently, doing as far as it depends on me to be at peace with others. This might include doing things that are uncomfortable– confronting someone gently, being honest about a problem, giving up my plans, forgiving though I’ve been hurt. I can make my theology a reality by taking to heart the things that I am learning and having faith enough to make those ideas actions.

James 1:22 gives a convicting exhortation, “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only deceiving yourselves.” I hope you will be encouraged to take the steps of faith necessary to bridge the gap between hearing and doing…