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 shared the same gracious smile she had always given me. I felt I had received a gift. Billy was 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, he 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 simply being with her, able to serve her in the final days of their life together. His faithfulness stemmed from his love for Mary combined with 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.

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 Him 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

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 share 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.

The following verses may 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 a tough time.

Thank You, Father, for being faithful. Help me to follow Your example.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2020: The Fruit of Faithfulness: Evelyn Mason Wells: All Rights Reserved