Faithfulness reflects God’s reliability by helping us become trustworthy and steadfast in our commitments. The fruits of the Spirit describe God’s character; that is why they are so central to Christian living. When we embody these fruits, we are becoming like Christ. Throughout the Bible, God is described as faithful.
- Lamentations 3:22-23 states, “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
- 2 Thessalonians 3:3 teaches, “But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.”
- Deuteronomy 7:9 declares, “Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations.”
…And there are so many more verses declaring how faithful God is! God is constant, reliable, trustworthy, and dependable. We are called to remain faithful to God’s way, which is first and foremost characterized by love. Christ followers are to be faithful lovers of the people in their lives.
In a world that tells us to cut ties when relationships get hard, to move on when marriage requires too much work, or to cancel people who don’t share our exact worldview, radical love-filled faithfulness is revolutionary.
If I think back at all the times I almost gave up on my husband because it felt too hard, forgiveness was not coming easily, or the growth required was painful to acquire, I am overwhelmed with relief. Miraculously, through the power of God’s Spirit at work in me, I did not give up; we did not give up! We stayed faithful to the love we committed to through trauma, mental illness, hurt, conflict, pain, loss, stress, and more. Faithfulness does not require someone to remain in abuse or immediate danger. Seeking safety, wise counsel, and professional support can be a faithful and necessary response. If we had given up on each other, which often felt like the wiser and easier choice, we would not know the joy of growing up together in love.
The Bible teaches that when we remain faithful to do good, in time there is a reward (Galatians 6:9). Life’s best gifts are cultivated over time. If we give up too soon, we miss the reward. Remain faithful to those God has called you to love well, just as he remains faithful to you.
Let’s pray …
Father,
Thank you for being a constant, reliable, ordered, and faithful God. Life would be so terrifying without your promises and character to believe in and build my life on. Help me to remain faithful to those you have called me to love. In a culture that says cancel others when things get hard, give me the strength of character to lean in and grow when the going gets tough. Help me not to grow weary in doing good. Show me how to make it to the harvest.
Amen.
Reflection Questions
- How have you observed God’s faithfulness in your life?
- What is a time you were tempted to give up on someone, and God prompted you to remain faithful?
- How can you practically show faithful love to your people this week?
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Oleksandr Yakoniuk
