This week’s study is concentrating on faithfulness. Thank you for joining me, as we explore God’s word. I pray it will be a blessing to you.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

~Galatians 5:22-23a CSB

Come say ‘Hello’ to Mary.” Billy smiled, as I approached their table.

I was sure she did not remember me, as her brain tumor had taken this once-talented artist and turned her into a shadow of her previous self. But, as I greeted Mary, she smiled at me with the same gracious smile she had always given me. I felt like I had received a gift. Billy was absolutely beaming, as he patted her hand as if in reassurance. It was obvious to everyone that, even though he had to do practically everything for Mary, Billy was making sure she lived out the rest of her life sharing the things they had enjoyed together.

Billy was faithful to care for Mary, considering it a blessing to be her caregiver. As her illness progressively worsened, he took joy in just being with her and being able to serve her in the final days of their life together. Billy’s faithfulness stemmed from his love for Mary and his love for God. I am thankful to have known both of them and to witness firsthand what it means to be faithful.

What does faithfulness look like to you? You may think of someone you know, as you read each one of the following examples of what it means to live a faithful life:

After serving in a church for a lifetime, whether clergy or laity, a person may often be described as someone who is faithful in their work in the church.

As someone retires from a job, which they had held for many years, we speak of their faithfulness to the company where they worked.

We often speak of the faithfulness of our military, as they put themselves in harm’s way, even death, as they fight to protect our country.

Jesus Christ is the perfect example of faithfulness. His desire was always to do what the Father asked of Him. Luke 22:42 tells us that Jesus submitted to the will of the Father, not His own will, as He prayed the night before His crucifixion. As believers, we have the potential to be like Jesus in our faithfulness, because the Holy Spirit dwells in us and guides us in our walk with Him.

… but the righteous will live by their faith.
Habakkuk 2:4b ISV

In order for us to live faithfully for God, it is necessary that we be intentional in doing so. It is easy to wander away from serving Him, getting caught up in daily distractions. Maintaining our relationship to Jesus Christ is important and depends upon our prayer life and seeking His direction through the Bible and in our worship and fellowship with other believers.

In order for us to live faithfully for God, it is necessary that we be intentional in doing so. #VineWords #Faithfulness @venable_wells Click To Tweet

God is pleased when we are faithful to Him in whatever circumstances we find ourselves. Believers are called to live out the fruit of faithfulness in our relationships with others – in our families, our jobs, our financial transactions, and in countless other ways. But the most important way for us to show faithfulness is in our relationship with God. Being faithful to God involves respecting and obeying Him. He wants us to be faithful to pray and to study His word, so we will be equipped to spread the word about the saving grace of Jesus.

God is eternally reliable. He is faithful. Faithful to forgive us and to save us. Faithful to protect us from evil. Faithful to never leave us. Luke 19:17 tells us that when we are faithful to Him, even in small things, He will bless us.

Hopefully the following verses will encourage you. They are among my favorite Scriptures which speak of God’s faithfulness. They remind us that His word is upright and His work is faithful; He is faithful to forgive and cleanse us; and He provides a way for us to have a relationship with Jesus Christ. God strengthens us, protects us, and loves us with an everlasting love, and His faithfulness extends to every generation.

Psalm 33:4 ESV: For the word of the LORD is upright, and all his work is done in faithfulness.

1 John 1:9 CEB: But if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from everything we’ve done wrong.

1 Corinthians 1:9 NIV: God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

2 Thessalonians 3:3 NASB: But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.

Psalm 36:5 NIRV: Lord, your love is as high as the heavens. Your faithful love reaches up to the skies.

Psalm 119:90 NLT: Your faithfulness extends to every generation, as enduring as the earth you created.

God is due our love, praise, and our faithfulness to Him. I invite you to join me in being more intentional in maintaining our relationship with Jesus, as we study His word and fellowship with Him in prayer each day.

Share ways in which God has shown His faithfulness to you during this current pandemic.

Father God, please reveal Your great faithfulness to us, as we call upon You. Show us how to be more intentionally faithful in our relationship with our families and friends, and in our relationship with You. I also pray for those reading this Bible study who do not know You as Savior and Lord. Please draw them to You and Your great faithfulness.

I thank You and give You praise, in the holy Name of Jesus. Amen.

Copyright 2020 @ Evelyn Mason Wells: The Fruit of Faithfulness

Meet Our Contributor 

EVELYN MASON WELLS

Evelyn Mason Wells is an award-winning author who has contributed to Heart Renovation: A Construction Guide to Godly Character (2019 Selah finalist, Lighthouse Bible Studies), Glimmers of Heavenly Light (Faith Books & More), Let the Earth Rejoice (Worthy Inspired), Breaking the Chains (2018 Selah finalist, Lighthouse Bible Studies),  Just Breathe (Worthy/Ellie Claire), and Feed Your Soul with the Word of God (Lighthouse Bible Studies).

Find her articles/devotions at Refresh Bible Study Magazine and Christian Broadcasting Network.

Evelyn is an Editor, Bible study writer, and devotion writer for VineWords: Devotions and More. She is a contributing author to Love Knots: Stories of Faith, Family, and Friendships (VineWords Publishing).

Passionate about glorifying God through her writing and speaking, Evelyn enjoys spending time on short-term mission trips, both domestic and foreign. She was recently blessed with an opportunity to speak/minister in Uganda.

Evelyn loves attending Bible Studies, spiritual retreats, and having good conversation with friends over lunch or a glass of tea. She is also an avid fan of the Georgia Bulldogs and Atlanta Braves. Evelyn enjoys good books, her cats, traveling, and especially spending time with her family.

CONNECT WITH EVELYN WELLS AT:

Evelyn Wells Twitter

BOOK LINKS:     

Evelyn Wells Books