“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” – Galatians 5:22–23
The Fruit of the Spirit Is… Faithfulness
Faithfulness is one of those foundational character trades that is necessary for a godly life.
Just think about it: faithfulness is staying constant, loyal, steadfast, honest.
Without faithfulness, every other character trait will fall apart.
God’s faithfulness to us
Because of how foundational faithfulness is to the rest of a person’s character, I thought it would be important to remind ourselves how faithfulness is a core characteristic of God.
That God is faithful no matter what.
That His Word stands true
His promises won’t fail
And if it looks like God hasn’t kept HIs promise
You know that He’s not done yet.
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” – Lamentations 3:22–23
I’m not saying it will never feel like He’s unfaithful
I’ve felt that many times.
But we have to choose to act and live our lives trusting and believing that He truly is faithful.
The call to live faithfully
There are many places in the Bible that tell us how we are being molded in God’s image and lists specific traits such as the call to “Be Holy even as He is Holy,” but in the case of faithfulness, it’s more indirect.
We learn of God’s faithfulness throughout all of scripture, and then we also find scripture calling us to remain faithful as well.
What is interesting is that our call to faithfulness isn’t one where we’re told to be faithful because it’s simply good to do, but in response to and confidence in God’s faithfulness to sustain, empower, reward and transform us.
For example…
“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.” – Hebrews 10:23
“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” – James 1:12
Throughout the Bible we see God’s hand tied into our transformation to be more like Him – including us becoming faithful as He is faithful.
Rest in His faithfulness and be filled by His Spirit to be faithful to Him
As I’ve written for each of these posts, our faithfulness comes from and is empowered by His grace and power. So, let’s reflect on and rest in God’s faithfulness and ask Him to fill us with His Spirit so that we may reflect Him more, as we were made to do.
Let us pray to be faithful in…
Love
Joy
Peace
Patience
Kindness
Goodness
Gentleness
Self-Control
And to be the people we were created to be.
God’s faithfulness
“Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations,” – Deuteronomy 7:9
“But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.” – Psalm 86:15
“But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.” – 2 Thessalonians 3:3
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9
“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.” – Hebrews 10:23
“He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:24
“For the word of the Lord is upright, and all his work is done in faithfulness.” – Psalm 33:4
“if we are faithless, he remains faithful— for he cannot deny himself.” – 2 Timothy 2:13
“He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:24
“Remember his covenant forever, the word that he commanded, for a thousand generations,” – 1 Chronicles 16:15
Our call to faithfulness
“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” – Galatians 6:9
“His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’” – Matthew 25:21
“Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.” – 1 Corinthians 4:2
“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” – 1 Corinthians 15:58
“May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.” – 2 Thessalonians 3:5