Faith is one of those words we hear often in church, yet many of us still find ourselves asking, “What does it really mean to have Christian faith?” It’s a question that touches the very heart of what it means to be a follower of Jesus.
At its simplest, Christian faith is trust in God revealed through Jesus Christ. It’s not only believing that God exists, but believing in Him—placing our hearts, our choices, and our lives into His hands. The Letter to the Hebrews puts it beautifully: “Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). Faith, then, is the light we hold onto even when we cannot yet see the full dawn.
When we look at Jesus in the Gospels, we see what perfect faith looks like. He trusted the Father completely—even in suffering, even on the Cross. And He invites us into that same relationship of trust: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me” (John 14:1). Faith, in this sense, is not a one-time act, but a daily “yes” to God’s love — a living relationship that grows as we walk with Him.
The Church teaches that faith is both a gift and a response. God first reaches out to us through His grace — through creation, Scripture, the Church, and the quiet movements of our hearts. Our part is to respond — to say, “Yes, Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief.” (Mark 9:24). That humble prayer captures what faith often feels like: not perfect certainty, but trust amid mystery.
Living faith transforms how we see the world. It helps us recognize God’s presence in the ordinary, strengthens us in trials, and fills our hearts with hope that His promises are true. Faith doesn’t remove every question or fear, but it gives us the courage to keep walking — knowing that Christ walks beside us.
May our faith grow each day, not as something we simply hold in our minds, but as a living flame in our hearts — a trust that leads us ever closer to the One who loved us first.
— Fr. John Matthew, for Christian Way ✝️
