Lack of Faith is Not Sin

"Father God, please guide me as I write this article based on Your Word. Help me to write this to glorify You, and let Your words bring clarity to those who seek You. May Your truth help people discern and embrace correct beliefs. I pray and seek everything in the name of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen."

Hi there my Brothers and Sisters in Christ! As Christians, we often grapple with the ebb and flow of our faith. There are seasons when our trust in God seems unshakeable, and others when doubt creeps in, leaving us feeling guilty and ashamed. Today, I want to address a misconception that has caused unnecessary pain for many believers: the idea that lack of faith is a sin.

Let's begin by acknowledging a simple truth: doubt is a common human experience, even for the most devout followers of Christ. The Bible is filled with examples of people who struggled with their faith, yet were still used mightily by God.

Consider Thomas, one of Jesus' disciples. After the resurrection, Thomas famously declared, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe" (John 20:25). Did Jesus condemn Thomas for his doubt? No. Instead, He graciously appeared to Thomas, inviting him to touch His wounds and believe (John 20:27-28).

Or think about John the Baptist, who sent his disciples to ask Jesus, "Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?" (Matthew 11:3). This was the same John who had earlier proclaimed Jesus as the Lamb of God (John 1:29). Yet, in his moment of doubt, Jesus didn't rebuke him. Instead, He sent back evidence of His ministry, affirming John's faith (Matthew 11:4-6).

Even in the Old Testament, we see great heroes of faith struggling with doubt. David, a man after God's own heart, cried out, "How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?" (Psalm 13:1). Jeremiah, known as the weeping prophet, lamented, "Why is my pain unending and my wound grievous and incurable? You are to me like a deceptive brook, like a spring that fails" (Jeremiah 15:18).

These examples remind us that experiencing doubt doesn't make us "bad Christians." It makes us human.

So why do we often feel such intense guilt and shame when our faith wavers? Perhaps it's because we've misunderstood verses like Hebrews 11:6, which states, "And without faith it is impossible to please God." However, this verse isn't a condemnation of those struggling with doubt. Rather, it's an affirmation of the importance of faith in our relationship with God.

The truth is, God understands our struggles. Psalm 103:14 reminds us, "For he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust." Our Heavenly Father is not distant or angry when we doubt. Instead, He draws near to us in our weakness.

Consider the father in Mark 9 who brought his demon-possessed son to Jesus. When Jesus said, "Everything is possible for one who believes," the father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" (Mark 9:23-24). This honest cry resonates with many of us. And how did Jesus respond? With compassion and healing.

The apostle Paul, writing to Timothy, gives us a beautiful assurance: "If we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself" (2 Timothy 2:13). God's faithfulness to us is not dependent on our perfect faith in Him. His love and grace persist even when our faith falters.

In fact, our times of doubt can actually strengthen our faith in the long run. James 1:2-4 encourages us, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

So how should we respond when we find ourselves doubting? First, we should be honest with God about our struggles. The Psalms are full of raw, honest expressions of doubt and fear. God can handle our questions and uncertainties.

Second, we should remember God's faithfulness in the past. The Israelites were often instructed to recall God's mighty deeds (Deuteronomy 7:18-19). Similarly, we can look back on how God has worked in our lives and in the lives of others to bolster our faith.

Third, we should surround ourselves with a supportive community of believers. Hebrews 10:24-25 reminds us of the importance of meeting together and encouraging one another.

Finally, we should continue to engage with God's Word. Romans 10:17 tells us that "faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ." Even when we don't feel like it, immersing ourselves in Scripture can reignite our faith.

Remember, dear friends, that God's grace is sufficient for us, and His power is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). When you find yourself in a season of doubt, don't let guilt and shame overwhelm you. Instead, rest in the knowledge that God's love for you is unchanging.

As Isaiah 40:31 promises, "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

May we all find comfort in God's unfailing love and grace, even in our moments of deepest doubt. For it is often in these very moments that God draws us closer to Himself, proving His faithfulness and deepening our trust in Him.