Faithfulness

Hebrews 11:1

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

Now we will study the second type of faith, that is, faith as a fruit of your recreated human spirit. Faith as a fruit differs from faith as a gift in two main ways. First, the gift can be imparted and received in one fell swoop but the fruit has to be cultivated over time and it is a continuing process. Secondly, the gift of faith is not directly related to the character of the one who exercises it while the fruit is an expression of character.

As an expression of character therefore, we see this fruit of faith expressed as 

“faithfulness” as it is rendered in some translations:

Gal 5:22-23

 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness…” NIV

Faithful means to be unswerving in allegiance, to be true to one’s promise or oath. It means to be loyal, steadfast and resolute. This fruit is needed in our vertical relationship as well as our horizontal relationships. This is a much needed element in man to man relationship, in our work places and between husbands and wives. God expects us to deal faithfully with one another.

Proverbs 20:6

“Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?” KJV  

He rewards faithfulness:

Proverbs 28:20

“A faithful man will be richly blessed…” NIV

Luke 16:10-12

“He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own?” KJV