Fruit of the Spirit:
Faithfulness
Galatians 5:22-23
Dependable, Loyal,
and Full of Trust
Definition: Faithfulness is firm devotion to God, loyalty to friends, and dependability to
carry out responsibilities. Faith is the conviction that even now God is working and
acting on one’s behalf.
1. The Meaning of Faithfulness: Romans 3:3-4; 2 Timothy 2:13; Matthew 9:22;
Hebrews 10:19-11:1
Summary: We are called to have faith and to be faithful as God is faithful. God is never
to blame when His people do wrong. Leaving a church, or leaving the faith because of
people’s mistakes shows a lack of faith, or at least putting faith in the wrong place. God
is faithful because that is His nature. People and churches many not be. Faith is not just
words or belief. Faith is always shown. It must be tested. Faithfulness is a constant,
unwavering commitment, “stick to itness” that comes from our Sustainer Who is
perfectly faithful.
2. Some Models of Faithfulness in the Bible: Hebrews 11:3-39
Summary: The qualities of this faith that is commended can be summarized in this way:
Giving good sacrifices to God, believing God exists and seeking Him, believing what
God says and obeying as Noah did, going where God tells you, Sarah believing in a
miracle, being more focused on heaven than earth, and allowing one’s self to be
mistreated for standing up for the faith. If we look at what was common in all the
qualities of those who were commended for their faith, it is unquestioning faith and
obedience that stand out. This results in the fruit of faithfulness.
3. The Mandate: Matthew 25
Summary: The mandate from God is for us to be good and faithful (obedient) servants
for Him. Jesus is letting us know that we are supposed to use what God has given us for
His purposes, including our gifts and potential, to produce fruit. How has what God given
you benefited others? Our blessings com from faithfulness, and our empowerment from
the Holy Spirit is proportional to our faithfulness. Faithfulness is a long obedience in the
same direction. No changing direction, no giving up, but absolute conviction and
commitment that the Word of God is the Truth, and His promises are set in stone because
of His faithfulness.
Faithfulness Exemplified in Jesus:
Righteousness will be His (Jesus’s) belt and faithfulness the sash around His waist.
(Isaiah 11:5)
When seeing a vision of Jesus, John said, “I saw heaven standing open and there before
me was a white horse, whose Rider is called Faithful and True.” (Revelation 19: 11a)
But Christ is faithful as a Son over God’s house. And we are His house, if we hold on to
our courage and the hope of which we boast. (Hebrews 3:6)
I will choose
Faithfulness. My
debtors will not
regret their
trust. My friends
will not
question my
word. My family
will not
question my
love.