Listen

The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!”

The Lord replied, “If you had faith the size of a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.”

Luke 17:5-6

Think

Different translations provide some interesting variations in what the disciples ask for in terms of their faith – “increase our faith” (CEB), “make our faith stronger” (CEV), or even “give us more faith!” (ERV). The disciples’ approach to faith is as if it’s quantitative and can be doled out by God. I don’t think it works that way, and I don’t think Jesus did either – hence the mustard seed analogy.

I think what Jesus is alluding to is that faith isn’t about quantity, but quality. God gives us all we need. We develop it and enable it to grow. For me, that growth happened because of some significant adults in my life – in my church and my family. None of them told me what to think or believe but rather encouraged questions and even doubt, and then walked with me as I wrestled with it.

Faith isn’t something we just add more of; it’s nurtured with the help of the community of faith. Think of the people in your circles: who among them walks with you in your life, who is helping you grow your faith?

Kris “Bubba” Brammer

Pray

Thank you, God, for all the people you have placed in my life to guide me, to teach me, to share their faith with me.

May I follow in their footsteps and in your footsteps in being such a person for others.

Amen.

Go

The gift of faith is yours;

Receive it so that it may refresh your soul,

Live it so that it brings inspiration to others,

And share it so that others may know the good gifts of God.