The Fruit of the Spirit: Faithfulness | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

The Fruit of the Spirit: Faithfulness

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” - Hebrews 11:1

62
The Fruit of the Spirit: Faithfulness
McKenzie Julian

Faithfulness is something that we hear a lot about but don't see much of. We see a lot of people not staying loyal to each other: spouses, friends, significant others, and more. We see a lot of doubt. We don't see much trust. It can be hard to know what something is if we can't see it.

Faithfulness, as described in the Bible, is based on the word pistis, which means trustworthiness or reliability. Faithfulness refers to steadfastness, constancy, or allegiance. As Christians, faithfulness means being confident in God and all of His promises. It is what keeps us believing in God's existence and our purpose.

Faithfulness is how God describes Himself. His faithfulness is never-failing and lasts forever.

"For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations." - Psalm 100:5

He is faithful in His promises. God has yet to make a promise that He cannot or won't keep. Whatever He promises comes true. He created the rainbow to show this.

He is faithful in trials. God knows that trials are difficult, but He also knows that each trial makes us stronger and shows us His greatness and mercies. He never gives us more than we can handle with His help.

He is faithful in our salvation. God knew we would need saving. From the beginning, God planned to send Jesus Christ down to die for our sins and save us from eternal death. He freed us from the bonds of sin. His grace allows us to live a life full of freedom when we know Him.

God's faithfulness has never and will never fail.

"Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness." - Lamentations 3:22-23

We should trust God, not because of what He does, but because of who He is. It's not the deeds God does for us that makes us faithful. It's who He is. What He does is a result of who He is, not the other way around. We should trust Him for who He is. We should trust Him when He is quiet, when it seems like He isn't moving, and when it feels like He isn't listening. We should trust Him because He isfaithful.

If the Spirit lives in us, then His faithfulness should reflect in us. That's why it is one of the Fruit of the Spirit – because it is not by our own doing, but by the Spirit in us that this is possible.

How to be Faithful

Faith only comes as a gift. As hard as we may try, we can never be faithful unless the Spirit lives in us and grants us that ability.

"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast." - Ephesians 2:8-9

You gain faith by listening to the Spirit in your heart. You gain it by praying and by reading and studying the Word of God.

"So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." - Romans 10:17

By reading the examples of faithfulness in the Bible, by understanding God's faithfulness and how it should look, you begin to understand why it's so important and how you can emulate it. You'll be able to allow the Holy Spirit to work in your heart and mind. The Spirit will enable you to trust the Lord's judgment and decrees. He'll help you become faithful in obedience, which honors the Lord.

Faithfulness also means trusting the Lord in both the big and small. It doesn't just mean trusting Him in the big, "important" moments of life; it means trusting God and letting Him guide you through the day-to-day struggles and worries. It's being faithful in even the smallest of duties that may go unseen.

"Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will aos be dishonest with much." - Luke 16:10

In order to be faithful in all of this, you must first surrender. Surrender your worries, your plans, your doubts, and your pride. Let God take control. He will be faithful and guide you. Faithfulness will set you free from fear; fear of the future, of the unknown, of your worries, and anything else. Trust Him. Have faith.

Suggested Passages

1 Kings 19

Hebrews 11

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

185315
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

11574
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

455487
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

25117
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments