Faithfulness: Having a Steadfast Heart

The term “faithful” is an important word in the Bible. It is used of both God and His people. The Greek word for faithful is “pistos” and it is used 53 times in the New Testament and at least 10 of those times it refers to God. The other usages focus on how believers should be faithful to God or how their testimony is known as faithful. There are a few instances where the word is used of “faithful” statements.

In relation to God, faithfulness is the quality of His nature that coveys to us the truth that God is trustworthy and dependable. God is someone who will stay true to His Word. God is someone who keeps the promises He made; He promises and He delivers. 2 Thessalonians 3:3, states, The Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. The Lord does this for His people all the time. He gives them strength and protection without exception.

God is true, He is unchanging, He is steadfast, He is loyal and He never wavers. Hebrews 6:18 says God cannot lie, therefore everything He says He will do. Every covenant He made, He kept (Daniel 9:4). Every promise He gave, He fulfilled (Hebrews 10:23).

God’s faithfulness is comprehensive. 1 John 1:9-10, If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. God will never reject His child who comes in repentance; He will faithfully forgive every time. Neither will God allow His child to be tempted beyond what they can handle. 1 Corinthians 10:13 tells us, No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it. God is even faithful when we are not. 2 Timothy 2:13 states, If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself. Over and over again the Bible tells us about God’s faithfulness. The more we trust God, the more we will learn we can rely on Him and trust Him more. We should all be able to concur with Lamentations 3:23, Great is Your faithfulness.

Because Christ was the faithful witness (Revelation 3:14), we must strive to follow His example. It is important to recall over and over again the faithfulness of God as part of our spiritual growth. Faithfulness is the quality of a person of God who is responsible and honorable. Someone who arranges their life in such a way that pleasing God is of first importance (2 Corinthians 5:9). Therefore, a believer who puts God first will be constant and consistent in their integrity. In fact, it is our duty to be faithful. 1 Corinthians 4:2 states, Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful. We have an obligation to be faithful in our dealings in life and our commitment to Christ. In life, we must be people who are trustworthy and reliable. We cannot be the kind of people who don’t show up when we are needed. We cannot be the person who doesn’t keep his word. We cannot be servants of God who are lukewarm. We must be steadfast in our commitment to God, His church and His people.