Galatians 5:22 Faithfulness, a Fruit of the Spirit

I have learned of God’s faithfulness over the years.  He has brought me through many trials and difficult times.  He is with me in times of joy and in pain.  One of my favorite Hymns is “Great is Thy Faithfulness”.  It is one of many old Hymns which bring my eyes to tears as I sing the meaningful words.  He is so faithful and I am so very grateful for His faithfulness.

Faithfulness is synonymous with steadfastness, constancy, and allegiance.  We live in a world of broken promises.  Consistency and commitment seem to be less and less important in society today.  Man cannot be faithful to God or his fellow man when he has a selfish mindset; when he always puts himself and his needs first.  In using the word man, I am sure that you will understand that I am talking about mankind; man or woman.  This selfishness must be broken before he will put God and others before his own self-interests. 

By nature, God is faithful.  Our human natures are imperfect, self-centered, and sinful.  The Holy Spirit has convicted the Christian’s heart bringing him to Salvation.  When God saves us the Holy Spirit enters into our spirit giving us His spiritual gifts. God, through His Holy Spirit within us, is working to improve us in character and spirit.  He wants us to become more trustworthy, loyal, and dependable.  A faithful person is someone you can trust, depend on, and count on.  The Holy Spirit teaches us faithfulness.  The more we know God and His word, the more we are aware of His total faithfulness to us.  We learn how Jesus lived; and how He wants us to live.  The Holy Spirit makes it possible for His gifts to grow within us.  As we love more, we mature more in our faithfulness in relationship to God and to others. 

God’s faithfulness to us is synonymous with His covenant love for us.  This we can read in Deuteronomy 7:9, Psalm 100:5, and Lamentations 3:22, and 23; Great is God’s faithfulness!  God is faithful to us.  We are to be faithful to Him in our speech, worship, prayer, service, and stewardship.  We are to be faithful to others in relationship as we live in love, integrity, truth, and commitment.  It isn't always easy, but it is possible.  We must ask the Holy Spirit to give us the strength in His power to make it doable.  He will be faithful to build faithfulness in us as we ask for and receive His help.

My faithfulness to God is based on the gift of faith which He has given to me and in my belief that He is who He says He is in His Word.  He is faithful to me.  I want to be faithful to Him.  I want to live in His will and for his purpose.  The Holy Spirit enables me to grow in faith, increase in my faithfulness to God, and to be faithful to the people in my life.  Faithfulness is a Fruit of the Spirit.