The fruit of the Spirit · 7 of 9
Faithfulness
Greek pistis · “faith” in the King James Bible
Steady trust in God that becomes loyalty: dependable to him, and to one another.
“It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.”Lamentations 3:22–23 (King James Version)
The word
Paul's word is pistis, usually translated “faith.” The King James Bible keeps faith here, but in this list most modern Bibles read “faithfulness”: the kind of trust that makes a person trustworthy.
Great is thy faithfulness
Lamentations was written over the ruins of Jerusalem. In the middle of grief, the writer remembers that God's mercies have not run out. They are new every morning. Our faithfulness begins with his.
Faithful in little things
“His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.”Matthew 25:21 (King James Version)
Faithfulness is rarely dramatic. It is showing up, keeping our word, and doing small things well, day after day. “It is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2).
He is faithful
“Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)”Hebrews 10:23 (King James Version)
When our own faithfulness fails, we hold on to his.
Three simple practices
- Keep a small promise. Make one small commitment this week, and keep it exactly.
- Pray at the same time each day. A fixed hour, such as Morning or Evening Prayer, turns good intentions into a rule of life.
- Show up again. Be the person who comes back: call, visit, or write to someone more than once.
A closing prayer
Almighty and everlasting God, increase in us the gifts of faith, hope, and charity; and, that we may obtain what you promise, make us love what you command; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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