The Righteous Live by Faith
“But the righteous shall live by his faith.” (Habakkuk 2.4b, ESV)
Main Point: Living by faith means trusting God’s character even when forgiveness feels impossible.
Habakkuk received this profound word from God: “Behold, his soul is puffed up; it is not upright within him, but the righteous shall live by his faith” (Habakkuk 2:4). This principle—that the righteous live by faith—became foundational to understanding the Gospel itself. It’s not about our works, our efforts, or our emotional state. It’s about faith in God’s character and promises.
When it comes to forgiveness, living by faith means we don’t wait until we feel forgiving to actually forgive. We don’t postpone forgiveness until the other person deserves it or until we’ve worked up sufficient grace in our hearts. We forgive because we trust that God, who commands forgiveness, will provide what we need to obey.
Living by faith means we believe God’s assessment of what’s best for us rather than trusting our own instincts. When every fiber of our being wants to hold onto resentment, to nurse our wounds, to demand justice first, faith says, “God, You know better. Your way of forgiveness leads to life, even when it feels like death to my pride.”
This is particularly challenging when dealing with repeat offenders—those who sin against us repeatedly. Our natural wisdom says, “Enough is enough.” But living by faith means trusting that God’s command to forgive “seven times in the day” comes from His perfect love and wisdom, not from naivety about human nature.
The righteous don’t live by feelings, circumstances, or human wisdom. They live by faith in the God who forgave them first.
Reflection: Living by faith means forgiving based on God’s character rather than our feelings. How can I forgive by faith even when my emotions resist? What does it mean practically to “live by faith” in forgiveness?
Prayer: Lord God, help me live by faith rather than feelings. Give me grace to trust Your commands even when they go against my natural instincts. Through Jesus Christ, Amen.
Responses