Have you ever wondered why Jesus marveled at some people’s faith while being disappointed by others? Throughout the Gospels, only twice did Jesus say someone had “great faith”—and neither person was a religious leader or seminary graduate. That’s a staggering detail worth sitting with.
Understanding the characteristics of great faith isn’t just an academic exercise. It’s the difference between a spiritual life that merely survives and one that thrives. In 2026, when uncertainty seems to lurk around every corner, the kind of faith that moves mountains matters more than ever. And here’s the luminous truth: great faith isn’t reserved for spiritual superstars. It’s available to every single one of us.
As a pastor, I’ve watched people walk through devastating seasons—job loss, illness, broken relationships—and come out the other side with a faith so strong it stunned everyone around them. I’ve also seen people with every advantage spiritually just… drift. The difference? It always comes back to specific, identifiable characteristics.
Let’s dig into what makes faith great in God’s eyes.
Key Takeaways
- 🙏 Great faith is born from humility and desperation, not from having all the answers.
- 💪 Persistence through trials refines faith rather than destroying it—delay is not denial.
- 📖 Obedience to God’s Word is the true measure of faith, not just knowledge or positive thinking.
- 🤝 Community and the local church are essential soil where great faith grows and is sustained.
- 🔄 Great faith believes again after disappointment, choosing trust over bitterness.
What Does “Great Faith” Actually Mean in the Bible?
Before we explore the characteristics of great faith, we need to anchor ourselves in Scripture. The phrase “great faith” appears in two remarkable encounters with Jesus:
“When Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to those who followed, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!'” — Matthew 8:10 (NKJV)
“Then Jesus answered and said to her, ‘O woman, great faith is yours! Let it be to you as you desire.'” — Matthew 15:28 (NKJV)
A Roman centurion. A Canaanite woman. Both outsiders. Both desperate. Both humble. Neither had theological degrees or years of synagogue attendance. Yet Jesus singled them out above everyone else.
Great faith, then, is not measured by the amount of truth you possess, but by the amount you practice [1]. It’s not about having a polished prayer life or knowing every verse. It’s about a raw, unshakable trust in who God is and what He can do.
This distinction matters. You might be a new believer reading this, or you might be a seasoned small group leader. Either way, the playing field is level. Great faith is accessible to all—and that’s exactly what we believe here at Answered Faith.
If you’re looking to deepen your understanding of faith through Scripture, our Bible study on unwavering faith is a great place to start.
The Core Characteristics of Great Faith
1. Humility and a Sense of Unworthiness
Great faith doesn’t strut into God’s presence making demands. It kneels.
The centurion in Matthew 8 told Jesus, “Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof” (Matthew 8:8, NKJV). The Canaanite woman in Matthew 15 accepted being compared to dogs under the table—and still pressed in for her miracle.
Great faith emerges from a deep sense of unworthiness and genuine need [1]. It’s not self-loathing. It’s an honest recognition that we bring nothing to the table except our desperation, and God brings everything.
Here’s the practical takeaway: stop waiting until you feel “spiritual enough” to approach God boldly. Your inadequacy is actually your qualification.
2. Dependence on Grace, Not Entitlement
This flows directly from humility. People with great faith cling to grace and God’s abundance rather than entitlement [1]. They don’t say, “God owes me this because I’ve been faithful.” They say, “Even the crumbs from Your table are more than enough.”
That’s a seismic shift in perspective. And it’s one of the most countercultural characteristics of great faith you’ll ever encounter.
| Entitled Faith | Great Faith |
|---|---|
| “I deserve this blessing” | “Any blessing is unmerited grace” |
| Demands specific outcomes | Trusts God’s wisdom in the outcome |
| Grows bitter when prayers seem unanswered | Grows deeper when prayers seem unanswered |
| Focuses on self | Focuses on God’s character |
Want to explore more about trusting God’s character? Check out our study on the character of God.
3. Resolute Persistence Despite Obstacles
This one might be the most challenging—and the most transformative.
The Canaanite woman in Matthew 15 faced three crushing obstacles:
- Jesus initially didn’t answer her at all (v. 23)
- The disciples wanted to send her away (v. 23)
- Jesus seemed to refuse her request (v. 26)
Three strikes. Most of us would have walked away after the first one. But she pressed in harder.
Great faith does not give up when faced with setbacks, disappointments, or apparent refusal. It is refined by delay, silence, and testing rather than deterred by them [1].
I remember a season in my own ministry when every door seemed to slam shut. Finances dried up. Key leaders moved away. Attendance dropped. I’d pray and hear… nothing. Or so I thought. Looking back, that season of apparent silence was actually God building something in me that ease never could have produced.
“But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles.” — Isaiah 40:31 (NKJV)
If you’re in a waiting season right now, don’t interpret God’s silence as absence. Delay is not denial. It’s often the very furnace where great faith is forged.
For encouragement during difficult seasons, explore these powerful Bible verses on trusting God.
How the Characteristics of Great Faith Show Up in Daily Life
4. Quick, Obedient Response to God’s Word
Here’s where faith moves from theory to practice. And honestly? This is where most of us get stuck.
Acting on God’s Word without hesitation or overanalysis opens the door for spiritual breakthroughs [6]. Think about the father in Mark 9 whose son was tormented by a spirit. When Jesus said, “If you can believe, all things are possible,” the father immediately cried out, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:23-24, NKJV).
He didn’t go home and think about it. He didn’t form a committee. He responded right then.
Great faith is characterized by practical obedience, not just intellectual agreement [1]. You can believe the Bible is true from cover to cover and still lack great faith if you never do what it says.
5 Ways to Practice Quick Obedience:
- 📖 When you read a convicting verse, act on it that day
- 🙏 When prompted to pray for someone, do it immediately
- 💰 When God nudges you to give, don’t wait for a “better time”
- 🤝 When you sense an apology is needed, make the call today
- ✝️ When fear whispers “wait,” let faith whisper “now”
If you want to build this habit, our guide on creating powerful daily Bible study notes can help you move from reading to responding.
5. Believing Again After Disappointment
Let’s be candid. Some of you reading this have been burned. You prayed for healing that didn’t come. You trusted God for a relationship that fell apart. You stepped out in faith and it seemed to backfire.
A key faith practice involves renewing faith even when previous experiences have caused disappointment [6]. Great faith isn’t faith that has never been wounded. It’s faith that has been wounded and still chooses to trust.
This is perhaps the most valiant characteristic of great faith. It’s easy to believe when everything is going well. It takes something altogether different to believe again when your heart has been broken.
“For a righteous man may fall seven times and rise again.” — Proverbs 24:16 (NKJV)
Coupled with this is the practice of regular confession and repentance. Keeping short accounts with God removes the seeds of guilt and shame that hinder faith development [3]. When bitterness or doubt creeps in, bring it to God honestly. He can handle your honesty. What He can’t work with is your pretending.
6. A Growing Understanding of Who God Is
Your faith can never exceed your view of God.
Faith grows in direct proportion to the object of your faith—the greater your theological view of God, the more your faith strengthens [3]. This isn’t about becoming a theologian. It’s about knowing God more deeply and personally.
When Abraham was asked to sacrifice Isaac, his faith wasn’t blind. He knew God’s character. He knew God was faithful. Hebrews 11:19 tells us Abraham reasoned that God could raise Isaac from the dead. His theology informed his trust.
Studying God’s attributes—His sovereignty, faithfulness, mercy, power—isn’t dry academic work. It’s fuel for great faith. Authors like A.W. Tozer (The Attributes of God) and Wayne Grudem (Christian Beliefs) offer accessible starting points [3].
For a deep dive into a man whose faith was tested beyond imagination, explore our Bible character study on Abraham.
Growing the Characteristics of Great Faith in Community
7. Commitment to the Local Church and Christian Community
Great faith doesn’t grow in isolation. Period.
The local church is the primary place where faith is watered, fed, and strengthened through worship, preaching, sacraments, and fellowship [3]. I know church culture gets criticized—sometimes rightly so. But the biblical model is unmistakable: we need each other.
Research from Lifeway confirms that new believers’ greatest needs are establishing spiritual disciplines and finding meaningful community [7]. Without these two elements, faith often withers. Many new Christians leave churches that fail to provide nurture and connection, making early spiritual formation absolutely critical.
Here’s what community does for your faith:
- Accountability keeps you honest when you’d rather coast
- Encouragement lifts you when trials press down
- Correction redirects you when you drift off course
- Shared worship reminds you that you’re part of something bigger
- Serving together puts faith into tangible action
Over 28% of new adult Christians begin their faith journey due to a spiritual experience [8]. But that experience needs to be connected to ongoing discipleship and community, or it fades. Great faith isn’t a one-time event. It’s a sustained, community-supported way of life.
If you’re looking to build community around Scripture, our tips on starting a Bible study group can help you take that first step. And for those wanting to go deeper personally, consider our in-depth Bible study resources.
A Quick Self-Assessment: Where Is Your Faith Right Now?
Take an honest look at these characteristics of great faith and rate yourself:
| Characteristic | Growing 🌱 | Steady 🌿 | Strong 🌳 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Humility before God | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| Dependence on grace | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| Persistence through trials | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| Quick obedience | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| Believing after disappointment | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| Growing knowledge of God | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| Church/community commitment | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
No shame in wherever you land. The fact that you’re reading this article tells me your heart is hungry for more. And hunger is the starting point of great faith.
Conclusion: Your Faith Can Be Great Starting Today
The characteristics of great faith aren’t a checklist you complete and file away. They’re a living, breathing posture of the heart that deepens over a lifetime. Humility. Persistence. Obedience. Grace-dependence. Community. A growing vision of who God is. The willingness to believe again even after heartbreak.
Jesus didn’t marvel at perfect people. He marveled at desperate, humble, persistent people who refused to let go of Him.
Here are your next steps:
- Pick one characteristic from this list that you know needs attention and focus on it this week.
- Open your Bible daily—even 10 minutes of obedient reading beats an hour of passive listening.
- Find or deepen your community—join a small group, show up consistently, be vulnerable.
- Confess and release any bitterness or disappointment that’s been choking your faith.
- Pray this simple prayer: “Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief.”
That prayer, prayed honestly, has been the starting point of great faith for two thousand years. It can be yours today.
References
[1] The Qualities Of Great Faith – https://www.tridm.org/sermons/sermon/2026-01-18/the-qualities-of-great-faith
[3] 26 Ways To Grow In Your Faith In 2026 – https://jarrettfletcher.com/2025/12/28/26-ways-to-grow-in-your-faith-in-2026/
[6] 4 Faith Practices To Help You Move Forward In 2026 – https://blog.kcm.org/4-faith-practices-to-help-you-move-forward-in-2026/
[7] 12 Ministry Trends For 2026 – https://research.lifeway.com/2026/01/15/12-ministry-trends-for-2026/
[8] What Christians Can Expect To See In 2026 – https://www.christianpost.com/news/what-christians-can-expect-to-see-in-2026.html
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