All of these words are used to translate one Greek word, which the Lord used like a name, as if to say, "Why are you so afraid, Little Faith?" It was not a harsh rebuke born of exasperation. Rather, it was the gentle, loving chiding of One who knew, already, what He would do. His purpose was not to put them down, but to build them up; so He gently reveals the source of their fear: their little faith. The Lord delights in faith wherever it is found, for, in whatever measure it exists, it is the gift of God. Little faith is saving faith, and much to be preferred to no faith. Little faith always directs God's own to Christ: Even though panicked, the disciples did seek help from the Lord. So the Lord was not, and is not angry with little faith.
Little faith is a wondrous thing, and we are glad for it. The only thing to be preferred to it is great faith. Both little faith and great faith will as certainly get us to the goal – salvation in Christ. But great faith makes for a much more pleasant journey. Little faith can say, "When I am afraid, I will trust in Thee" (Ps. 56:3) Great faith can say, "I will trust and not be afraid" (Ps.56:4) How does one get from little to great faith? The disciples revealed the cause of their "little faith" in their question, "What manner of man is this? They knew little of Christ, therefore could have little confidence in His power and grace. Great faith affirms, "I know whom I have believed..." How then does one come to know Christ better? "Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am meek and lowly of heart" (Matt.11:29) To be yoked to Christ is to walk, even as He walked. 1) In absolute trust in His God. As a man, he trusted God and committed his case to Him in all matters, seeking no other deliverance but God's.(Heb.2:13, 1Pt. 2:23) 2) In love, humility, and service to others. He bore the insults and offenses of others with grace, responding with forgiveness and mercy. (Lk.23:24) As we walk in faith and love, we learn of Him and go from "Little Faith" to "Great Faith".