The Fruit of the Spirit: Faithfulness
Would you like to know more about the Fruit of the Spirit and how it can apply to your life? Do you desire to understand the biblical importance of this fruit? Then join us below as we answer these and other questions and learn about the Fruit of the Spirit that is faithfulness!
The Fruit of the Spirit:
In Galatians 5:22-23 we find a list of nine attributes of the Fruit of the Spirit which are developed within us as we live according to the Holy Spirit—living in alignment with God’s will and character. These are:
- Love
- Joy
- Peace
- Longsuffering
- Kindness
- Goodness
- Faithfulness
- Gentleness
- Self-control
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.”—Galatians 5:22-23
Yet, what do these mean for our lives, and what does the Word say about them?
The Fruit of the Spirit, Faithfulness
The seventh listed attribute of the Fruit of the Spirit found in Galatians 5 is “faithfulness.” This is a beautiful characteristic of God Himself, and one that we, as Believers, are meant to walk in through the power of the Holy Spirit.
“Therefore know that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments;”—Deuteronomy 7:9 (emphasis added)
“No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.”—1 Corinthians 10:13 (emphasis added)
We have been made in the very image of God, a faithful God who loves and cares for us all the days of our lives. It therefore behooves us to become as He is, faithful, walking in that faithfulness continually. Yet, what exactly is faithfulness?
There are five main definitions of the meaning of the word “faithful” in the Merriam-Webster dictionary. These are:
- Steadfast in affection or allegiance : LOYAL
- Firm in adherence to promises or in observance of duty : CONSCIENTIOUS
- Given with strong assurance : BINDING
- True to the facts, to a standard, or to an original
- Full of faith
Essentially, to be faithful as Believers—if these descriptions are true to what God intended—therefore includes a certain level of faith… Of loyalty and firmness to the truth of God with strong assurance in that truth. And of course, to be steadfast in our affections and allegiance to the One who created us. It is a way of faith.
“‘If he has walked in My statutes and kept My judgments faithfully—he is just; he shall surely live!’ says the Lord God.”—Ezekiel 18:9
While the definitions of faithfulness may sound beyond us—and are in the natural—they are a model of thought, habits, patterns, and of course the heart for relationship with God, which can be developed within us by seeking the Holy Spirit. It is the character that God grants us when we accept Him and grows with each passing season we experience—if we continually go higher and deeper in Him.
“Oh, love the Lord, all you His saints! For the Lord preserves the faithful, and fully repays the proud person.”—Psalm 31:23
“My eyes shall be on the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me; he who walks in a perfect way, he shall serve me.”—Psalm 101:6
“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts…”—James 4:8
Walk in Faithfulness
So, we begin to understand the importance of faithfulness and what it means to us, yet, how do we walk in Godly faithfulness? Particularly when the flesh rebels?
Well, as with all the characteristics of the Spirit’s fruit, the first and best place to begin our journey is with the Holy Spirit who always points us to Jesus. Jesus, through His sacrifice, allowed Gentile Believers to gain access to the Holy Spirit, to lead them, just as He had led God’s chosen for generations. And with this gift, we are able to be led by the Holy Spirit… to be taught and made perfect in Him.
“Your mercy, O Lord, is in the heavens; Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.”—Psalm 36:5
Now, does this mean that when we accept God and allow His Holy Spirit to dwell in us, we are automatically faithful to an extent worthy of God? No. We are a work in progress from the moment we are born until we pass on to be with Him—and even then some believe it will take all eternity to remotely grasp the fullness of God, and therefore, His faithfulness.
Yet, as Matthew 10:25 says, “It is enough for a disciple that he be like his teacher, and a servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more will they call those of his household!”
We are made to be LIKE God. We were not made to replace Him.
Still, we ARE meant to walk in faithfulness. Just as Jesus gave parables about those who had been faithful with little being given much, so we are to walk. God gives each of us certain gifts and callings, measures of faith, resources, etc., and we are meant to be faithful with all! And when we walk in the faithfulness that God desires, we are given more to further the Kingdom. Our faithfulness makes a way for us and the Kingdom to grow.
“And the Lord said, ‘Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his master will make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of food in due season?’”—Luke 12:42
When we are faithful with little, we are then given more—for God knows we will walk in faithfulness in all seasons.
“His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’”—Matthew 25:23
And, at the end of the journey, what better blessing than for God to call us faithful? What higher honor could any of us receive than to hear the love of our lives, the God of the Universe, say to us, “well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:21, 23)
Would you like to learn more about faithfulness? Then click HERE to discover the benefits of being faithful!
Would you like to give of the favor you have found through faithfulness? Then click HERE to discover how!
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Would you like to discover your Godly strengths? Then click HERE to find what God has put within you!
“And the Lord passed before him and proclaimed, ‘The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, by no means clearing the guilty…’”—Exodus 34:6-7