Faithfulness

“Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23

“Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.” Revelation 2:10

“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” Galatians 5:22-23

Being a follower of Jesus Christ has godly benefits, including the fruit produced in your life. The Apostle Paul writes to the Galatian church that those fruit are given to Believers as we walk in the Spirit. They are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. We receive all of the fruit—not just one or some.

Among the fruit is faithfulness. The Greek word used by Paul is the same for “faith.” Faith is a complete confidence or trust in someone or something. Faithfulness demonstrates loyalty and trustworthiness.

There is no better example of faithfulness than God. His care and compassion towards us goes beyond what we deserve. Jeremiah wrote in the book of Laminations that it is God’s great love that kept Israel from being destroyed. He wrote that during a time of extreme pain and difficulty, but he knew that God still had their best in His plan. The same is true for us today.

Life can be challenging at times and we all experience difficult seasons and yet God remains faithful to see us through it and not leave us. Because we know He is there (even though at times it may not feel like it), we can keep going and stay the course. We can keep trusting in God and doing what it right because He is always with us.

The gift of faithfulness is necessary as we do the work that God has put before us. We need the strong foundation of God to trust in to help us stay the course with our spouses, our children, our neighbors, or enemies. As we love, serve, and care for them, there are times when love, service, and care are not returned. However, since we receive our love, service, care, and joy from God, we can remain steadfast in the work He has calls us to.

We will not give up, we will fight the good fight, and we will keep the faith.