Faithfulness is the seventh characteristic listed in the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22 NIV) and is described as a virtue of loyalty, trustworthiness, and a commitment in our relationship with God. It is the belief in what the Bible says about God–his existence, his works, and his character. It is believing that God is who he says he is and continuing in that belief despite the challenging trials we face in our broken world. 

Painful experiences can cause us to lose trust, but the Holy Spirit can help us increase our faith, and transform us to emulate God’s faithfulness. It is when we allow the fruit of the Spirit to work in us that the Holy Spirit to creates faithfulness. As believers we are to be faithful to God by enduring, persevering, and standing firm in the faith until the very end.

Praise

Give praise that the faith we place in Jesus is based on things hoped for with the confidence and assurance that God is faithful and will do what he said he will do. “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1, ESV)

Examine the Scriptures

Why is faithfulness a needed fruit of the Spirit?

God is faithful to his people, and he expects them to be faithful to him. “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.” (Hebrews 10:23 ESV)

How can we increase our faith?

By submitting to the Holy Spirit’s influence as he testifies to God’s truth and impels us to seek him. “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you.” (John 16:13-14 ESV)

Pray

Lord God,

We are thankful that you are not looking for perfect people, just ones that are devoted to you. As the enemy is constantly trying to lure us away from the path you have set for us, we pray you pour your Spirit into our hearts. Give us the steadfast faith to cling to you. Preserve us from faithless fears and worldly anxieties as your Spirit guides us to trust in your faithfulness. Open our eyes to Christ’s truth and fill our hearts with his love so that we may serve you faithfully.

In Jesus’ name

Amen.