Faithfulness is one of the fruits of the Spirit that should mark our lives as Christians (Galatians 5:22-23). But what does it mean to be faithful?
We often think of faithfulness in terms of marriage: a faithful spouse remains committed to their husband or wife and sticks to their marriage vows, no matter what. The spiritual fruit of faithfulness is similar, but it applies to all areas of life, including (and especially) our relationship with Christ. The dictionary definition would say that a faithful person is “loyal,” “steadfast in affection or allegiance,” and “true to one’s word.” A faithful person is someone who keeps their promises and fulfills their duties.
Below are 15 Bible verses that talk about the importance of faithfulness.
Prove faithfulness through your actions:
- “Many a man proclaims his own steadfast love, but a faithful man who can find?” (Proverbs 20:6)
- “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.” (Luke 16:10)
- “Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.” (1 Corinthians 4:2)
God rewards faithfulness:
- “Love the Lord, all you his saints! The Lord preserves the faithful but abundantly repays the one who acts in pride.” (Psalm 31:23)
- “Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man.” (Proverbs 3:3-4)
- “And the Lord said, ‘Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom his master will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions.’” (Luke 12:42-44)
- “Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.” (Revelation 2:10)
God gives us the ability to be faithful:
- “I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.” (1 Timothy 1:12-14)
- “Now may the 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 Thessalonians 5:23-24)
- “But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.” (2 Thessalonians 3:3)
God is the perfect example of faithfulness:
- “Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds.” (Psalm 36:5)
- “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23)
- “Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war.” (Revelation 19:11)
Be faithful because God is faithful:
- “Only fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things he has done for you.” (1 Samuel 12:24)
- “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.” (Hebrews 10:23)
Even as Christians, we may not always be perfectly faithful; however, God is faithful to help us overcome temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13) and forgive us when we fail (1 John 1:9). Faithfulness is a trait we should grow in as we seek to imitate the example (Ephesians 5:1) of a perfectly faithful God (1 Corinthians 1:9).
