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 about to see the fruit of faithfulness.

I was sure she did not remember me. 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 beamed as he patted her hand. Although he practically had to do everything for Mary, he made sure she lived out the rest of her life sharing the things they had enjoyed together.

Billy considered caring for Mary a blessing. So, as her illness worsened, he took joy in being with her, able to serve her in the final days of their lives together. His faithfulness stemmed from his love for Mary and God. I thank God for knowing both and witnessing the fruit of faithfulness.

We might think of someone we know as we read each one of the following examples of faithfulness.

A person is described as faithful after serving in the church for many years.

After someone retires from a long-held job, we speak of their faithfulness to the company.

We say those who serve in the military are faithful as they put themselves in harm’s way, fighting to protect our country.

Jesus Christ provides the perfect example of faithfulness. He desired to do what the Father asked of Him and submitted to the Father’s will, not His own will. He evidenced this as He prayed on the night before His crucifixion. Believers can 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

We please God when we are faithful to Him in all circumstances. God calls us to live out the fruit of faithfulness in our relationships with others, our families, our jobs, and our financial transactions. 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. God wants us to pray and study His Word so we will be equipped to share the saving grace of Jesus.

God is eternally reliable. He is faithful to forgive and save us, to protect us from evil, and never to leave us. When we are faithful to Him even in insignificant things, He will bless us.

The following verses remind us that God’s Word is upright, and His work is faithful. He is faithful to forgive and cleanse us. He provides a way for us to have a relationship with Jesus Christ. God strengthens, protects, and loves us with an everlasting love. 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 deserves our love, praise, and faithfulness. Will you be more intentional in maintaining your relationship with Jesus?

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