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What does the Bible say about lack of faith?

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The Bible teaches that lack of faith is a serious weakness, yet Christ graciously calls fearful and doubting people to trust God and depend on him. Hebrews 11:6 says faith is essential for pleasing God, while Romans 14:23 warns against acting apart from faith. Jesus rebuked the disciples' fear in storms and scarcity, asking why they had so little faith in Mark 4:40, Matthew 8:26, and Matthew 6:30. Yet he also received the father's honest plea, "I believe; help my unbelief" in Mark 9:24. Faith, even small as a mustard seed, rests not on human strength but on God's power and promises through Christ.

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • Hebrews 11:6 8 votes

    Without faith it is impossible to be well pleasing to him, for he who comes to God must believe that he exists, and that he is a rewarder of those who seek him.

  • Matthew 17:20 5 votes

    He said to them, "Because of your unbelief. For most assuredly I tell you, if you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you will tell this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.

  • Mark 4:40 4 votes

    He said to them, "Why are you so afraid? How is it that you have no faith?"

  • Romans 14:23 4 votes

    But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because it isn't of faith; and whatever is not of faith is sin. (14:24) Now to him who is able to establish you according to my Gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which has been kept secret through long ages, (14:25) but now is revealed, and by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the eternal God, is made known for obedience of faith to all the nations; (14:26) to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever! Amen.

  • Mark 9:24 4 votes

    Immediately the father of the child cried out with tears, "I believe. Help my unbelief!"

  • Matthew 14:31 4 votes

    Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand, took hold of him, and said to him, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?"

  • Luke 12:28 4 votes

    But if this is how God clothes the grass in the field, which today exists, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith?

  • Matthew 8:26 3 votes

    He said to them, "Why are you fearful, oh you of little faith?" Then he got up, rebuked the wind and the sea, and there was a great calm.

  • Matthew 6:30 2 votes

    But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today exists, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, won't he much more clothe you, you of little faith?

  • James 1:6 2 votes

    But let him ask in faith, without any doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, driven by the wind and tossed.

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