Faith

What is it, eh? Is it being a trusting enough person? It can almost seem like a work in itself. And if the Paul isn't arguing about Jewish legalism but about Jewish exclusivism, then how does Romans 4 fit in?

(That was just to get your mind whirring. The important (and less confusing) bit is below)

I've been wondering whether there's enough in Romans 4 for me to argue that faith there is particularly the 'throwing your fate upon Jesus' kind. It uses the Greek word 'upon' instead in 'in' when it says that we're saved by 'faith in Jesus', so do you think that the immediate context gives you enough to say that this isn't just about believing in God, but about putting your lot in with Jesus and relying on his faithfulness to bring you through?

How to be a good lover

According to 1 Timothy, it comes from:

A pure heart
A good conscience
A sincere faith

I could psychoanalyse this stuff and demonstrate just how each of these are absolutely necessary for real and true love, but perhaps I'll do a Paul and just say them, and leave it for you to ponder.

Perhaps you could share your wisdom with each other in the comments about how it works...