“The fruit of the Spirit is faithfulness.”
Resolute commitment, complete confidence, firm allegiance all sum up the notion of faithfulness. One who is faithful is one who is dependable and trustworthy. Those in whom God’s Spirited faithfulness lives are those who are loyal and can be counted on. Both the gift (Rom. 12:3; 1 Cor. 12:9) and fruit of God’s Spirit, faith/faithfulness is a firm conviction in the truth and the persistent pursuit of its practical ends.
- Faithful people have a sense of duty to others so a bright light shines on the Good News of God our Savior. “Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to talk back to them, and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted [shown to be faithful], so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive” (Tit 2:9–10).
- God’s leaders care that their public lives are trustworthy. “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith[ulness]” (1 Tim 4:12; also 6:11).
- Faithful people are entrusted with greater responsibilities, become guardians of truth, and worthy examples to follow. “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable [faithful] people who will also be qualified to teach others” (2 Tim 2:2). “You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith[ulness]” (2 Tim 3:10).
- Faithfulness must be taught in the church and is for every believer. “Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith[fulness], in love and in endurance” (Tit 2:2; also Lk 12:42; 16:10; Rev 13:10).
