Faithfulness: Fruit of the Spirit 5Ws

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It's Week 7 of the Fruit of the Spirit 5Ws series and this week we're reviewing the seventh fruit faithfulness. My prayer is that we learn how God biblically defines His fruit, how to express His fruit in our lives, and how to practically walk by the Spirit so we don't gratify the desires of our flesh (Galatians 5:16).

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. ~Galatians 5:22-23 (NKJV)

Fruit of the Spirit– Faithfulness

Who

Who can show faithfulness?

The Holy Spirit is a gift from God (Acts 2:38, 10:45) to glorify Jesus Christ (John 16:14) and only indwells in those that have:

• Chosen to make Jesus Christ their personal Lord and Savior (John 14:26)

• Believe Jesus Christ died on the cross for our sins

• Believe Jesus Christ resurrected three days later

Therefore, who can show faithfulness, as God defines it?

Answer:

True believers and followers of Jesus Christ because the Holy Spirit only indwells in them.

What

What is faithfulness?

First, faithfulness is an attribute of God, describes His very nature, an essential part of who He is. Second, faithfulness is a choice– a selfless deliberate action sourced by the Holy Spirit that we choose to demonstrate, not an emotion or feeling. Third, faithfulness is the state or quality of being faithful.

So, what does faithful mean?

Merriam-Webster's dictionary defines faithful as:

• steadfast in affection or allegiance: LOYAL // a faithful friend

• firm in adherence to promises or in observance of duty: CONSCIENTIOUS // a faithful employee

• given with strong assurance: BINDING // a faithful promise

• true to the facts, to a standard, or to an original: // a faithful copy

Gotquestions.org explains,

Faithfulness is steadfastness, constancy, or allegiance; it is carefulness in keeping what we are entrusted with; it is the conviction that the Scriptures accurately reflect reality. Biblical faithfulness requires belief in what the Bible says about God— His existence, His works, and His character. Faithfulness is a fruit of the Spirit; it is the result of the Holy Spirit working in us. But the Holy Spirit is also our seal of faithfulness. He is our witness to God’s promise that if we accept the truth about God, He will save us.

In other words, Biblical faithfulness is:

• Who God is and a gift to us from the Holy Spirit

• Matured in us through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ

• Demonstrated unwavering loyalty to God

• Describes steadfast commitment to trust God throughout ALL circumstances, abide in His Word, and uphold His principles, standards, perspectives, and commandments; as it relates to public and private choices we make, our thoughts, and lifestyle.

If we are faithless, He remains faithful— for He cannot deny himself. ~2 Timothy 2:13 (ESV)

When

When should we demonstrate faithfulness?

God desires faithfulness to Him becomes who we are and a daily choice we make to be obedient and demonstrate the character of Jesus Christ.

Love the Lord, all His faithful people! The Lord preserves those who are true to Him, but the proud He pays back in full. ~Psalm 31:23 (NIV)

We can be called faithful and possess the state or quality of being faithful (faithfulness) when we consistently walk with God (Deuteronomy 5:33), surrender our lives for His service (1 Timothy 1:12), and abide in His Word (John 8:31-32, 15:7).

Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. ~Proverbs 3:3 (NIV)

To bear the fruit of faithfulness is to–

Believe that God is who He says He is and continuing in that belief despite the vagaries [unexpected changes] of life. Functionally, that means we trust what God says in the Bible, and not necessarily what the world or our own eyes tell us. We trust He will work out everything for good. We trust He will work His will in us. And we trust that our situation on earth is nothing compared to our future reward in heaven. The only way we can have such faith is by the Holy Spirit’s influence. He testifies to the truth and impels us to seek God. The Holy Spirit makes us faithful. ~Gotquestions.org

Where

Where is faithfulness applicable?

Like the other fruits, the Bible has much to say about faithfulness and illustrates it in five different ways:

• As an attribute of God (Deuteronomy 7:9, Psalm 33:4, 91:4, Lamentations 3:22-23, 2 Thessalonians 3:3, 1 Corinthians 10:13, 1 John 1:9)

• As a positive characteristic of some men (Matthew 25:23)

• As a characteristic that many men lack (Proverbs 20:6)

• As a gift of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22)

• As in the sense of "believing" in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:1, Colossians 1:2)

Additional Reference Scriptures: Genesis 6-9, Genesis 21:1-34, Joshua 6, Judges 6-7, Hosea 2:20, Mark 6:1-6, 2 Corinthians 5:7, Hebrews 11, Revelation 2:10

Why

Why is faithfulness important?

Lifehopeandtruth.com shares three great reasons:

• God is faithful to His people and He expects them to be faithful to Him. All the fruits of the Spirit follows this pattern, and faith is no exception.

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 (NKJV)

• How else will God know that we trust Him and are truly committed to being a part of His family? James 2:17-20 clearly tells us: “Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, ‘You have faith, and I have works.’ Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble! But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?”

• Our faithfulness greatly influences how we love God and love others, including whether or not we remain loyal to relationships [only relationships He wills for us], sound doctrine, and God.

Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Remember, it's all about progression, not perfection! God loves you! With Him, you got this! Until next post, may God give you His peace and blessings!

~Natasha

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