Paul was always concerned about the reality of the faith of his fellow believers. More than once he dropped phrases that implied the possibility of a vain faith (1 Corinthians 15:1-2; 2 Corinthians 13:5-6; Colossians 1:23). This was one of the reasons he wrote Galatians and was a concern when he had to leave the Thessalonian church after only three weeks of ministry (Compare Acts 17 with 1 Thessalonians 3:1-5). This does not necessarily mean that he doubted their faith, but the reality of a false profession was a concern. Paul did not assume he could tell the difference between an immature Christian and a false professor.
The context of 2 Corinthians 13:5-6 is a serious warning for us. If we, like some of the Corinthians, are lacking in love, we need to pay attention and examine our faith. Why? It is because faith and love go together. If love is missing, then something is wrong with our faith.
We must be careful not to become judgmental of others’ spirituality but neither do we want to shirk our responsibility to them. Paul provides for us an excellent example in attitude and method.
Is our faith in Christ real? That is the final answer. If our faith is real the Bible makes it clear we will love our brother and sister in Christ and it is that love that makes us fit for duty in this world. Trusting Jesus, His crucifixion in weakness and His bodily resurrection from the dead by the power of God for forgiveness of sins results in the love of God being poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5). It is only through Him that we can be forgiven and it is only through Him that we can become new creations in Christ who both experience and exhibit the love of God (2 Corinthians 5:14-17; see also 1 Corinthians 13).
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