Definition and Context:
"Faith working through love" is a phrase derived from the Apostle Paul's epistle to the Galatians, specifically Galatians 5:6, which states, "For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. All that matters is faith, expressed through love." This concept emphasizes the inseparable connection between genuine faith in Jesus Christ and the expression of that faith through acts of love.

Biblical Foundation:
The New Testament consistently underscores the importance of love as the natural outflow of authentic faith. In 1 Corinthians 13:2, Paul writes, "If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing." This passage highlights that faith, no matter how strong, is rendered meaningless without love.

James 2:17 further reinforces this idea by stating, "So too, faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead." Here, James argues that true faith is demonstrated through deeds, which are motivated by love. This aligns with Jesus' teaching in John 13:34-35, where He commands His disciples to love one another as a testament to their faith: "A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

Theological Significance:
Theologically, "faith working through love" is a cornerstone of Christian ethics and spirituality. It suggests that faith is not merely an intellectual assent or belief in doctrines but is a dynamic and living trust in God that manifests in love for others. This love is not self-generated but is a fruit of the Holy Spirit, as described in Galatians 5:22-23, which lists love as the first fruit of the Spirit.

The relationship between faith and love is also evident in the Great Commandment, where Jesus summarizes the Law and the Prophets: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind... Love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22:37-39). This commandment encapsulates the essence of faith working through love, as it calls believers to a holistic devotion to God that naturally extends to loving others.

Practical Implications:
In practical terms, "faith working through love" calls Christians to live out their faith in tangible ways. This involves acts of kindness, service, and compassion towards others, reflecting the love of Christ. The Apostle John echoes this in 1 John 3:18, "Little children, let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth."

Moreover, this principle challenges believers to examine the authenticity of their faith. It serves as a reminder that true faith is transformative, leading to a life characterized by love. This transformation is not achieved through human effort alone but through the grace and empowerment of the Holy Spirit.

Historical and Doctrinal Perspectives:
Throughout church history, the relationship between faith and works has been a topic of significant theological discussion. The Protestant Reformation, led by figures like Martin Luther, emphasized justification by faith alone (sola fide). However, the Reformers also acknowledged that genuine faith is never alone but is accompanied by love and good works as evidence of its authenticity.

The doctrine of "faith working through love" thus maintains a balance between faith and works, affirming that while salvation is by faith alone, that faith is evidenced and perfected through love. This understanding is reflected in the teachings of various Christian traditions, which uphold the necessity of love as the fulfillment of the law and the ultimate expression of faith in the life of a believer.