"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,"
~Galatians 5:22
In our series on the fruits of the Spirit, we come now to the fruit of faithfulness. This is a most timely topic to be studying, for we sadly live in a time and culture seriously lacking in this important fruit. Marriages are thrown away at the drop of a hat, friendships are broken, family ties are severed, business dealings turn sour, and political promises are reneged upon. If anything, faithlessness seems to be the characteristic of the day.
Throughout Scripture, meanwhile, we are repeatedly taught the importance of faithfulness. For example, here is a brief survey of Proverbs on the topic:
"Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you;
bind them around your neck;
write them on the tablet of your heart.
So you will find favor and good success
in the sight of God and man."
~Proverbs 3:3-4
"Steadfast love and faithfulness preserve the king, and by steadfast love his throne is upheld."
~Proverbs 20:28
"The one who pursues righteousness and faithful love will find life, righteousness, and honor."
~Proverbs 21:21
Why is faithfulness considered by God to be so important? Because He Himself is always faithful, and we are to bear His image. Consider the following passages:
"God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord."
~1 Corinthians 1:9
"But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one."
2 Thessalonians 3:3
"Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God..."
~Deuteronomy 7:9a
"God is not a man, that He should lie; neither the son of man, that He should repent: hath He said, and shall He not do it?"
~Numbers 23:19
"In hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised before the world began."
~Titus 1:2
"It is impossible for God to lie, so we who have fled to Him for refuge can have great confidence."
~Hebrews 6:18
Our God's faithfulness is incredibly important, good news for us, because His faithfulness is what enables us to trust Him. If He weren't faithful to His promises, we would have no hope of eternal life. With the Lord, His faithfulness is a matter of life and death for us. It is incredibly important!
So, too, must we take the topic of our own faithfulness just as seriously. Faithfulness is no insignificant thing, and while we as sinful humans will sometimes struggle in our own flesh to remain faithful to our commitments and the promises we have made, the good news is that we do not have to - nor are we expected to! - rely on our own efforts. Faithfulness is a fruit of the *Spirit*, so just as with the other fruits, the Spirit Himself naturally cultivates in us this fruit as we walk with Him. And that's good news for all of us!
Reflection Questions:
1) How have you seen the importance of faithfulness show up in your own life or in the lives of people you know?
2) What makes faithfulness so important?
3) How can you grow in faithfulness?
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