We finish off October with my "Fruit Of The Spirit" series. This month we're looking at the fruit of "Faithfulness."
Those who know us and have spent time with us should be able to trust us and see from our behaviour that we say what we mean and we mean what we say. The weight of our word should be steadfast and secure on the solid ground of reliable conduct and a dependable character.
It might be helpful to ask ourselves some questions. Things such as: Would I describe myself as a faithful person? Can others rely on me to do the things I’ve said I’ll do? Have I considered that a lack of faithfulness may be seen as a poor reflection of God’s character?
I pray this poem and meditation can bless you today. Love Lucy x
Galatians 5:22-25
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.”
Fruit Of Focus- FaithfulnessThose who know us and have spent time with us should be able to trust us and see from our behaviour that we say what we mean and we mean what we say. The weight of our word should be steadfast and secure on the solid ground of reliable conduct and a dependable character.
It might be helpful to ask ourselves some questions. Things such as: Would I describe myself as a faithful person? Can others rely on me to do the things I’ve said I’ll do? Have I considered that a lack of faithfulness may be seen as a poor reflection of God’s character?
I pray this poem and meditation can bless you today. Love Lucy x
Galatians 5:22-25
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.”
"Gracious Father, Gentle Saviour, Lord You have been good to me.
Jesus, You have saved my soul and called me to a life that’s free!
Help me Lord, to serve Your people. Keep my heart in check, I pray.
Since I now live by the Spirit, may I walk in step each day.
May I seek to be consistent. Fickle ways are not Your plan.
May others see within my life, faithfulness to God and man.
Let them witness true devotion, both to You and those I know.
May I bring integrity to all I do, that faith may grow!
Let my faithfulness inspire! May my loyalty shine bright!
Let “yes be yes and no be no” for this is pleasing in Your sight.
May I not neglect to do the things that I’ve committed to.
May others safely trust in me for in all this, I honour You."
1 Corinthians 4:1-2
“This, then, is how you ought to regard us: as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the mysteries God has revealed. Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.”
Colossians 1:2
“To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who are in Colosse:
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Proverbs 3:3-4
“Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.
Then you will win favour and a good name in the sight of God and man.”
Food For Thought
To be a faithful person, it means we “have or show true and constant support or loyalty, deserving of trust: keep our promises or do what we are supposed to do.” If someone is known for their faithfulness then they’re recognised for consistently doing what they say they will do.
In Matthew 5:33-36, Jesus warns against the making of oaths, as having to swear or make an oath betrays the weakness of our word. It highlights the fact that there is not enough weight in our own character to confirm our words.
Jesus then goes on to say in verse 37,
“But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes’ and your ‘No, ’No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.”
He makes the point here that it is far better to have a character that is so steeped in love for truth and integrity that our ‘Yes’ literally means ‘Yes’ and likewise ‘No’ means ‘No!’ If we say we’ll do something, we should endeavour with everything in our power and control to make sure we do it! People should know our ‘Yes’ means ‘Yes’ and not ‘I’ll see if it suits me on the day.’ Likewise, if we say ‘No’ to something, we should be dependable and stick to our word. Others should be able to trust us and know that we will not do something or get involved in something to which we’ve already given a ‘No.’
Those who know us and have spent time with us should be able to trust us and see from our behaviour that we say what we mean and we mean what we say. The weight of our word should be steadfast and secure on the solid ground of reliable conduct and a dependable character.
This brings glory to God because our faithfulness reflects Him. We are motivated to be faithful and able to be faithful because God is faithful. He is trustworthy, reliable and committed to His people with an unwavering devotion. His Word confirms this over and over again as do the countless testimonies we have of His faithfulness within our own lives.
Questions For Personal Reflection
Would I describe myself as a faithful person? Can others rely on me to do the things I’ve said I’ll do? Have I considered that a lack of faithfulness may be seen as a poor reflection of God’s character? What verses in the Bible talk about God’s faithfulness that can inspire me and others? Would those closest to me describe me as loyal, trustworthy, reliable, consistent and committed to both my God and those He has placed in my life?
