Have you ever wondered why your prayers were unanswered? Or why you didn't receive a breakthrough after applying the principles you learned in church? I certainly have. So I began to search the Scriptures for answers and made an awesome discovery!

For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.
(Gal. 5:5-6)

Faith works by love!

Even though faith is activated by our confessions, it only actually works when we apply love. And yet many people have neither seen nor experienced the manifestation of their faith.

You see, you can have a flashlight, but until you put batteries in it, that flashlight won't work. Love is like that battery. Everything in the kingdom of God operates by faith, but faith won't work without love.

Think about some of the things you've been believing God for. It may be getting out of debt, getting a promotion or receiving your healing. You may have been praying about those things for weeks, months or even years—and still no answer from God.

Well, that's not the kind of God we serve. In 3 John 2 God reveals His desire for us: "Beloved, I wish above all things, that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth."

Therefore, if God is willing to give us His best, there must be a missing element on our end. How are your relationships fairing these days? Maybe you're having problems with just one; however, that could be the very thing hindering your blessings. The Bible says that our faith won't work if our love is not working.

When we are rooted and grounded in God's love, our faith ignites His power. But when our love generators are damaged or no longer operating because of offense, unforgiveness, or disobedience, we can't expect the manifestation of our prayers.

I don't have to struggle anymore with the question, "Oh God, why aren't you answering my prayers?" I know if my faith is not working, it's because my love is not working.

Faith is active. It will change things. It will move mountains. But faith that's not backed up by love is powerless, because faith works by love. Love is the force behind faith. It's explosive and active; it causes great things to happen.

So if your faith runs out of gas and stops moving, go fill up your tank with premium love and watch your faith work as never before.

Source: Lord, Teach Me How to Love by Creflo A. Dollar, Jr.
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers