When we speak about strong or weak faith, we’re not talking about whether someone is a “better” Christian than another. Faith is not a competition; it’s a living relationship with God that grows over time. Like any relationship, it deepens through trust, love, and experience. So when Scripture speaks of “strong” and “weak” faith, it’s describing where we are on that journey, not whether we belong to God.
Many people in the Bible wrestled with doubt. The apostles themselves cried out, “Lord, increase our faith!” (Luke 17:5). Weak faith is not the absence of belief—it’s fragile trust that wavers when life becomes uncertain. Strong faith, on the other hand, rests securely in God’s goodness, even when the road ahead is dark. Abraham, for example, “did not waver in unbelief… but grew strong in his faith” (Romans 4:20). His strength didn’t come from himself but from knowing who God is and trusting that His promises are true.
Weak faith often looks for proof, for visible signs that things will work out. Strong faith still feels fear and confusion but chooses to trust God anyway. It’s the difference between saying, “I’ll believe when I see,” and saying, “I’ll believe because I know He is faithful.” And the beautiful truth is that God doesn’t reject us for having weak faith—He nurtures it. Even a mustard seed of faith, Jesus says, can move mountains (Matthew 17:20).
So how does faith grow stronger? By walking with God daily, through prayer, Scripture, and the small choices to trust Him in the ordinary moments. Every time we surrender a fear, forgive a hurt, or obey His word when it’s difficult, our faith roots itself deeper in His love. What feels weak today can become strong tomorrow when it’s placed in the hands of the Lord who strengthens all who seek Him.
Let us not despise the small beginnings of faith. The same Lord who calmed the storm can calm our hearts, teaching us day by day to trust that His love will never fail.
— Fr. John Matthew, for Christian Way
