Faithfulness

<<reliability>>

Remembering and focusing on God’s faithfulness in the past (from our own history, the experiences of our fellow believers and those recorded in the Bible) helps us to overcome the obstacles of the present situation. Great is God’s faithfulness to us, He will do what He has promised (Lam 3:22,23). God's faithfulness underpins our faith, "Now may the

Thank God for His on-going faithfulness to you

God of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; He will surely do it" (1 Thes 5:23,24). His faithful empowering enables us to "Hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful...God will do this, for He is faithful to do what He says" (1 Cor 1:8,9; Heb 10:23). God fulfills what He says, as “The Lord is faithful to all His promises” for He never changes (Num 23:19; 1 Sam 15:29; Ps 145:13; Mal 3:6; Heb 13:8). Joshua stated, "Not a single [promise] has failed' (Josh 23:14).

Our faithfulness is of great importance to God. In the words of Jesus, "Blessed is the servant whose master finds him faithfully carrying out his instructions" (Mt 24:45-47). This character quality is one of the nine ‘fruits’ of the Spirit working in our lives (Gal 5:22). Along with commitment, dedication, obedience, diligence, consistency and reliability it will help us stay on the path to victory (1 Cor 15:58). God is faithful and will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we can resist or stand against in His power, yet if we do sin and repent He will forgive us (1 Cor 10:13; 1 Jn 1:9). If we are unfaithful, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny who He is and His character (2 Tim 2:13). The God who calls us is faithful to strengthen and protect us from the evil one (2 Thes 3:3).

In the parable of the talents, the master acknowledged the servant’s commitment to act wisely and prudently rather than focusing on the tangible results when he said, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things, I will…” (Mt 25:21,23). However, the natural result of the industrious servants being faithful was the benefit achieved – this warranted recognition and reward. If we are faithful in what is little and insignificant, we will be entrusted with larger areas of responsibility, just as Paul said he was (Lk 16:10-12; Act 26:19).

God looks for and rewards our attitude and the obedience of our service, rather than the results attained (Ps 31:23; Prov 3:3,4; Jn 14:15). Even if others don’t acknowledge our endeavours, God sees and the record will be

Do I keep my word? Can people rely on me?

put right in heaven. We should also look for and bless others for their faithfulness in the tasks they undertake, especially the regular voluntary tasks they undertake for the Kingdom of God. Are you known for “…your work produced by faith, your labour prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope…” (1 Thes 1:3)? God tests our faithfulness in our day-to-day activities, and it is in them that real Christianity emerges.

Faithfulness or fidelity in marriage requires remaining true to your partner, by not having any other romantic or sexual liaisons including soul ties, nor even making disparaging remarks and criticising them. God desired the Israelites to be faithful to Him yet they repeatedly worshipped other gods and idols so through these acts of unfaithfulness, they committed spiritual adultery.