Faithfulness

Faithfulness

Faithfulness is a fruit of the Spirit and is one of the hidden characteristics of a God-fearing man and woman. All such ones have it in their hearts as it is written in Ps. 119:30: “I have chosen the way of faithfulness; Your judgments I have laid before me.” [Norw.]

For such people, it is their relationship with God that matters. They know for themselves whether they hear God’s voice and are obedient to it in their hearts. They find the laws of the Spirit of life and make use of the help they receive by the Holy Spirit working in them. Such people live a crucified life every day, where everything from their self-life is denied and crucified as the word of God is allowed to guide and judge the hidden thoughts and counsels of their hearts.

Faithful people are without guile. They can be trusted even when they have to suffer wrong or bear the others’ burdens. They neither parade themselves nor are puffed up, but they instead live a hidden life with Christ in God in their inner man. They are faithful in small things and great things, as David was, both as a shepherd boy and as a king.

Faithful people have renounced the hidden things of shame. 2 Cor. 4:2. They are honest, truthful and straightforward in their conduct—not hypocritical or false. They stand firmly in the storms of life even though everything they could boast of as a person crumbles to dust. They know and understand that the chains and tribulations of life await them. Acts 20:23. But they don’t look for a way to escape them. In these things, they find the way through the gates to enter into the city, into fellowship with Christ and the saints.

It’s easy to praise love, but what is love without faithfulness? “Let not mercy and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.” [Norw.] Prov. 3:3. When I am faithful, brotherly love is without hypocrisy, and thankfulness for my friends binds me firmly in fellowship. It enables me to lay down my life for my friends, which is the greatest love there is. John 15:13.

Faithfulness helped Joseph at a young age to keep his heart pure. It kept bitterness and unthankfulness far from his heart so that he could see God in the midst of very difficult circumstances. In this, God opened his eyes and he became a seer and savior for his country and people.

Faithfulness is hidden in the inner man, but it emerges as a new fragrance that comes from us—purified from the aroma of our old man. It can easily be despised by those who are focused on pleasing people, but it is valued by those who are God-fearing.

Faithfulness creates confidence and a firm foundation for those closest to us; it builds the church in our home. For those who have seen the fruits of a faithful life, it provides assurance and hope for the future. Love and faithfulness can also correct mistakes and transgressions, and keep evil away. This gives new life and hope to those who need it. Prov. 16:6.

“Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war.” Rev. 19:11. This is where all those who are faithful to the commandments of life will gather one day. May we live in such a way that we can be one of them!