"THE WEAPONS OF OUR WARFARE ARE NOT CARNAL BUT MIGHTY THROUGH GOD." Without God's weapons we face defeat. We are surrounded by foes and are in a state of perpetual conflict. Armour is provided for us by the great Captain of our salvation, and we are directed to take the whole of it and use it for our defence. The breastplate which is to guard the heart is composed of faith and love, the two principal graces of the Spirit. Faith is absolute confidence in God. Love is affection for Him. Faith always begets love, and love strengthens faith; together they make the Christian a match for his foes. Faith always embraces the Lord Jesus as Saviour, Friend, and Lord. Love delights in Him as the visible Jehovah, the fountain of grace, and the brightness of glory. Faith receives the promises and trusts them; love calls forth admiration and renders praise for the same. Faith appropriates the righteousness of Christ for justification; love delights in the person of Christ as supremely glorious. Faith daily leads to the open fountain for cleansing; love conducts to the throne for fellowship and communion. Faith looks to Christ for support; love goes forth to labour or suffer for His cause.

For Meditation:
Let faith and love, most holy God,
Possess this soul of mine:
So shall I conquer all my foes,
And grasp the joys divine.