Active Faith

Active faith is characterized by outward expressions of belief through actions and deeds. It is the manifestation of faith in practical, tangible ways, often through service, evangelism, and acts of charity. This form of faith is deeply rooted in the teachings of the New Testament, where believers are encouraged to demonstrate their faith through their works.

The Epistle of James is a foundational text for understanding active faith. James 2:17 states, "So too, faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead." This passage underscores the necessity of coupling belief with action, suggesting that genuine faith naturally produces good works. James further elaborates in James 2:26 , "As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead." Here, the analogy of the body and spirit emphasizes that faith, to be alive and effective, must be accompanied by deeds.

The life of Jesus Christ serves as the ultimate example of active faith. His ministry was marked by healing the sick, feeding the hungry, and teaching the multitudes. In Matthew 25:35-36 , Jesus highlights the importance of active faith through the parable of the sheep and the goats, where He commends those who fed the hungry, gave drink to the thirsty, and visited the imprisoned, saying, "For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you took Me in."

The Apostle Paul also emphasizes active faith in his letters. In Galatians 5:6 , he writes, "For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. All that matters is faith, expressed through love." This passage highlights that true faith is expressed through love, which is often demonstrated through actions.

Contemplative Faith

Contemplative faith, on the other hand, is characterized by inward reflection, meditation, and a deep, personal relationship with God. It involves a focus on prayer, study, and the inner transformation of the believer. This form of faith is often associated with seeking a deeper understanding of God and His will through quiet reflection and spiritual disciplines.

The Psalms are rich with examples of contemplative faith. Psalm 46:10 invites believers to "Be still and know that I am God," encouraging a posture of stillness and reflection. This verse suggests that knowing God often requires stepping away from the busyness of life to engage in quiet contemplation.

Jesus Himself practiced contemplative faith, often withdrawing to solitary places to pray. In Luke 5:16 , it is noted, "Yet He frequently withdrew to the wilderness to pray." This practice highlights the importance of solitude and prayer in maintaining a close relationship with the Father.

The Apostle Paul also speaks to the contemplative aspect of faith in Philippians 4:8 , where he advises believers to meditate on things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. This encouragement to focus the mind on virtuous things is a hallmark of contemplative faith.

Contemplative faith is not passive but is an active engagement of the heart and mind with God. It seeks to transform the believer from within, fostering spiritual growth and maturity. Through practices such as prayer, meditation, and study of Scripture, believers cultivate a deeper understanding of God's character and His purposes.

In summary, both active and contemplative faith are essential aspects of a vibrant Christian life. They complement each other, with active faith expressing outwardly what contemplative faith nurtures inwardly. Together, they form a holistic approach to living out one's faith in accordance with biblical teachings.