“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”
Galatians 5:22-23 NASB
Grace Perspective:
Faithfulness is at the core of the fruit of the Spirit. Faithfulness is rooted in being trustworthy, worthy of trust in all matters. God demonstrated His faithfulness is by sending Christ to die for our sin, which He promised to do in Genesis 3. Throughout Scripture, we see His faithfulness revealed as He kept His promises to Abraham, Jacob, David, Esther, Daniel, and so many more.
God cultivates faithfulness in us as we learn to rely more on Him, trusting Him to give us exactly what we need for every circumstance. When we choose to be reliable and trustworthy, we exhibit God’s gracious faithfulness, so others are drawn towards Him.
A Touch of Grace:
List the ways you’ve seen God faithfully working in your life.
Where is God calling you to be faithful?
Grace Application:
Our faithfulness is rooted in what we believe about God. Faithfulness is at the very core of His being, and we can count on Him doing what He says He will do. What God says, He means, “For the word of the Lord is right; and all His work is done in faithfulness.” (Psalm 33:4 AMPC)
Even when, or perhaps especially when, life is hard, we can lean on the truth that God is faithful. The prophet Jeremiah experienced horrific trials and tests of faith. Yet, he cries out to God as he endures great pain saying, “It is because of the Lord’s mercy and loving-kindness that we are not consumed, because His [tender] compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great and abundant is Your stability and faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23 AMPC)
As the fruit of the Spirit takes root in us, faithfulness to God grows. The evidence is shown by our firm resolve to do what is right, even when it hurts. Remaining faithful to the Lord may make us uncomfortable. Still, discomfort, or pruning, is often necessary to bear the fruit of the Spirit. When faced with a choice to please God or others, being faithful to God is always the best choice. (See Daniel)
The Lord will develop this part of the fruit in our Spirit as we walk with Him through the ever-changing circumstances in our lives. I don’t know about you, but my life is continually changing. I’ve experienced many unexpected events lately. (Covid challenges anyone?) Yet, knowing God is faithful has kept me from diving headlong into a pit of despair.
As we trust God more, relying on what He says is true, our faith deepens. From this deeper faith, our faithfulness to Christ is reflected so others can see Him in us. How will you reflect His faithfulness today?
Prayer
Gracious Father, I come to You In the precious name of Jesus Christ, my Savior, thankful for Your faithfulness. You have shown me over and over how that You are trustworthy. Every morning Your mercies are new, and in You I find stability. Forgive me when I am unfaithful. Help me to abide faithfully in You. Deepen my faithfulness for Your glory. Amen
**Today, as you read this, I pray each of you will know for sure you are in Christ Jesus. If you have any doubts, please call out to God so that all doubt is erased. Today is a good day to be assured of Salvation in Christ Jesus. If you have any questions, please contact me at graceisdawning@gmail.com**