Faith. Belief. Trust. Small, simple words that are packed with meaning. In fact, in practice they are life-changing.
It helps to define and clarify what is being said. Dictionary.com offers these definitions.
Faith – confidence or trust in a person or thing: a confidence not based on proof; acceptance. Hebrews 11:1 says, “FAITH is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”
Belief – an opinion or conviction; confidence in the truth or existence of something, certainty. John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, what whoever BELIEVES in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.”
Trust – reliance on the integrity, strength, ability of a person or thing; a person or thing on which one relies; assurance. “In quietness and TRUST is your strength.” (Isaiah 30:15)
Something struck me recently that I read in a well-known devotional book called Streams in the Desert by L.B. Cowman. “The word ‘ faith’ conveys more an act of the will, while the word ‘belief’ conveys and act of the mind, but ‘trust’ is the language of the heart.” (Page 465). That’s worth pondering. Don’t these all go together? In looking up the definitions and the synonyms, each one shared similar wording: confidence, assurance.
If I have FAITH in you, it means I have confidence in you. If I BELIEVE in you, it means I have confidence in you. If I TRUST in you, it also means I have confidence in you.
Thus, I suppose we might say that we have FAITH in the Father who made us, BELIEF in the Son who saved us, and TRUST in the Holy Spirit who is always with us. Three in One – as with the Trinity. Faith, belief, trust. True treasures. And, Jesus did say, “Where you treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Matthew 6:21)
“I and the Father are One.” (John 10:30)
“When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father – the Spirit of Truth who goes out from the Father – He will testify about Me.” (John 15:26)
Beautiful thoughts! Faith, Hope, Trust: Confidence & assurance. What sound meaning. I appreciate; your presentation!
Thx so much Teri for your insight and encouragement! And rich gems to think about!
Excellent! Thank you for sharing with us!
Excellent insight!
Thanks Teri
Thanks. Makes our life’s path so very clear .
Thanks. Makes our life’s path so very clear .
Amen!