Oh, That F Word!

It’s a word we hear a lot of these days. The F word is used without even thinking about it. Sometimes I wonder if people even know what, or really mean what they’re saying.

Well okay, I’m not meaning THAT “F” word. The “F” word I’m referring to is “Faith”. The other “F” word is also to commonly used and a word I was raised to never use and is very derogatory and in my humble opinion has been too widely accepted.

Faith though is a word many people use but do they truly “mean” it. How many times have you heard someone say “Oh, just have a little faith”. Or “I have faith it will work out”? But in saying “it” does that pass it on or comfort? I guess it could. But I feel you should truly “mean it” to be felt.

Some of the most common definitions according to dictionary.com

1. Confidence or trust in a person or thing: faith in another’s ability.
2. A belief that is not based on proof: He had faith that the hypothesis would be substantiated by fact.
3. Belief in God or in the doctrines or teachings of religion: the firm faith of the Pilgrims.
4. Belief in anything, as a code of ethics, standards of merit, etc.: to be of the same faith with someone concerning honesty.
5. A system of religious belief: the Christian faith; the Jewish faith.
6. the obligation of loyalty or fidelity to a person, promise, engagement, etc.: Failure to appear would be breaking faith.

I think when you tell someone you have “faith” in them it should be genuine and not just words. Or, when you have “faith” in your religious beliefs, do you really believe it? or is it just words? How can you have true faith if it is not heartfelt and believed?

Just as much, how can you share your faith (in a person, or in your beliefs) with someone if it is not felt, shared in compassion, and/or believable?

I know we are all human and have flaws I’ll be the first to admit I have many myself. But in saying that if we truly want to be compassionate and help others, we need to truly believe what we are saying. You know to walk the walk, talk the talk.

If we tell someone we have faith and then at the first sign of weakness, falter ourselves, not only have we let our own self down but possibly the person(s) that we’ve tried to help along. If they see the doubt in us, wouldn’t they doubt as well what we may have instilled in them?

Think about the next time you say the “F” word, how are you using it. If you are consoling or encouraging a friend. Follow up with them let them know your words were true. And in faith from the religious sense, I know for me it’s an ongoing building block and can only get stronger by believing in these words.

The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” – Luke 17:5 ESV