Calling Forth Faith: How to Nurture Belief in Others and Grow in Our Own
Key Verse:
“So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.” — Romans 10:17 (NASB)
Faith is both a gift from God and a responsibility we must nurture. It is a divine spark placed in human hearts, meant to grow into a steady flame that lights the path of trust, obedience, and love. But how do we call forth faith in others—and how do we strengthen it in ourselves?
Scripture shows that faith is not something we manufacture by force of will; it is something we receive, cultivate, and share. The same God who authored faith in us (Hebrews 12:2) invites us to join Him in awakening faith in others through word, example, and prayer.
Let’s look at what the Bible teaches about both aspects—how to call forth faith in others and how to grow in our own faith.
1. Calling Forth Faith in Others
Paul wrote in Romans 1:11–12, “For I long to see you so that I may impart some spiritual gift to you, that you may be established; that is, that I may be encouraged together with you while among you, each of us by the other’s faith, both yours and mine.”
Faith can be called forth in others through several powerful means: speaking the Word, modeling faith, and interceding in prayer.
a. Speak the Word of Christ
Faith begins with hearing truth. Romans 10:17 makes this plain: “Faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.”
When we share God’s Word—whether through teaching, personal testimony, or a quiet conversation—we open a channel for the Holy Spirit to work in someone’s heart. Scripture is alive and active (Hebrews 4:12). It does not return empty (Isaiah 55:11).
We often underestimate how powerful even a single verse can be when spoken in the right moment. Jesus called forth faith again and again by His words: “Do not fear, only believe” (Mark 5:36); “According to your faith be it done to you” (Matthew 9:29); “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes” (Mark 9:23).
When we remind others of God’s promises—when we speak truth in love—we are participating in the same ministry of encouragement that Jesus exercised daily.
b. Model Faith Through Obedience
Faith is contagious. When others see believers trusting God amid uncertainty, they are inspired to do the same. Paul could say, “Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:1).
This is not arrogance—it’s discipleship. By living out faith transparently, we invite others to trust the same faithful God. When we step out on God’s promises, our courage gives others courage.
Hebrews 11—often called the “Hall of Faith”—is essentially a record of how the faith of one generation called forth faith in the next. Abel, Noah, Abraham, Moses—all believed, and their belief became a testimony that still speaks today (Hebrews 11:4).
Your obedience might be the sermon someone else needs to hear.
c. Intercede for Faith to Awaken
Ultimately, faith is God’s work in the heart. That’s why one of the most loving things we can do is pray for faith to be born or strengthened in others.
Jesus Himself did this. In Luke 22:32, He told Peter, “I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail.” What a beautiful glimpse into the Savior’s intercession!
When we pray for others, we cooperate with the Spirit who convicts, comforts, and calls. We cannot force belief, but we can till the soil through prayer so that God’s Word may take root.
Interceding for faith means asking God to remove spiritual blindness (2 Corinthians 4:4), to open hearts to the truth (Acts 16:14), and to reveal His faithfulness personally.
Faith is born in the heart, but it is often called forth by the prayers and words of those who already believe.
2. Growing in Our Own Faith
Calling forth faith in others is inseparable from nurturing our own. If we are not growing in faith ourselves, our encouragement will lack authenticity and power. So how do we strengthen the faith we already possess? Scripture gives several clear pathways.
a. Feed Faith with the Word
Faith is nourished by truth. Just as physical strength requires food, spiritual strength requires regular intake of Scripture.
The psalmist wrote, “The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.” (Psalm 19:7).
Reading God’s Word reminds us of His character, His promises, and His track record of faithfulness. Each story of deliverance, each fulfilled prophecy, each display of grace reinforces our trust in Him.
If faith comes by hearing, then our faith grows by continuing to listen—to meditate on God’s truth until it reshapes our perspective.
b. Exercise Faith Through Obedience
Faith, like a muscle, grows through use. James 2:22 says of Abraham, “You see that faith was working with his works, and as a result of the works, faith was perfected.”
When we step out in obedience—especially when it costs something—our faith matures. Every act of trust strengthens the next.
Think of Peter stepping out of the boat (Matthew 14:29). It was risky, it was imperfect, but it was real faith. The more we act on what we believe, the more we experience God’s reliability firsthand.
c. Remember God’s Faithfulness
Faith thrives on remembrance. The Israelites often faltered because they forgot what God had done (Psalm 106:7). We do the same.
That’s why it’s so important to recall His past mercies. Journaling answered prayers, rehearsing testimonies, or even sharing stories with others helps us remember that God has never failed us yet.
David strengthened his faith this way: before facing Goliath, he remembered the lion and the bear (1 Samuel 17:37). He drew courage for today from God’s faithfulness yesterday.
d. Pray for More Faith
Even the apostles prayed, “Increase our faith!” (Luke 17:5). God delights to answer that prayer.
He may strengthen faith through Scripture, through trials (James 1:3), or through fellowship with believers who encourage us. Faith grows best in the soil of dependence—when we trust God beyond our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5–6).
The prayer of the desperate father in Mark 9:24 captures it well: “I do believe; help my unbelief!” That’s not a contradiction—it’s an honest confession that faith and doubt can coexist, but faith can grow as we bring our doubts to God rather than hiding them.
3. Faith That Multiplies
Faith was never meant to be a private possession. It is like light—its very nature is to shine and spread.
When we feed our faith, we strengthen others. When we call forth faith in others, our own faith deepens. It’s a divine cycle of encouragement and growth.
Paul told Timothy, “The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful people who will be able to teach others also.” (2 Timothy 2:2).
Faith multiplies when we invest in others—when we teach, pray, and model the trust we ourselves are learning.
A Closing Reflection
Faith is not the absence of fear or doubt; it is the decision to trust God in the middle of them. It grows through hearing His Word, obeying His call, remembering His works, and praying for His help. And when we live out that kind of faith, we naturally call it forth in others.
You don’t have to be a preacher or theologian to inspire faith. You only need to be a believer whose life says, “God is trustworthy.” Your steadfast trust in Him may be the spark that ignites faith in someone else.
“Let us hold firmly to the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to encourage one another in love and good deeds.” — Hebrews 10:23–24 (NASB)
A Prayer for Today
Lord Jesus, thank You for the gift of faith. Help me to grow in trust, to listen to Your Word, and to act in obedience. Use my life and my words to awaken faith in others. When doubts arise, remind me of Your faithfulness. Make me a vessel through whom Your light and truth can shine, that others may come to believe. Amen.