What does the Bible say about faithfulness?
When you are faithful you are loyal, unwavering, and reliable regardless of circumstance. Apart from God we would not know what faithfulness is because faithfulness comes from the Lord. Take a second to examine your life and ask yourself, are you being faithful to God?
Christian quotes about faithfulness
“We can walk without fear, full of hope and courage and strength to do His will, waiting for the endless good which He is always giving as fast as He can get us able to take it in.” – George Macdonald
“Faith is not belief without proof, but trust without reservations.” – Elton Trueblood
“Never give up on God because He never gives up on you.” – Woodrow Kroll
“Faithful servants never retire. You can retire from your career, but you will never retire from serving God.”
“Christians do not have to live; they have only to be faithful to Jesus Christ, not only until death but unto death if necessary.” – Vance Havner
“Faithful people have always been in a marked minority.” A. W. Pink
“God wants us to be dependable even when it costs us. This is what distinguishes godly faithfulness from the ordinary dependability of secular society.” Jerry Bridges
“This job has been given to me to do. Therefore, it is a gift. Therefore, it is a privilege. Therefore, it is an offering I may make to God. Therefore, it is to be done gladly, if it is done for Him. Here, not somewhere else, I may learn God’s way. In this job, not in some other, God looks for faithfulness.” Elisabeth Elliot
“The goal of faithfulness is not that we will do work for God, but that He will be free to do His work through us. God calls us to His service and places tremendous responsibilities on us. He expects no complaining on our part and offers no explanation on His part. God wants to use us as He used His own Son.” Oswald Chambers
“Oh! it irradiates all our days with lofty beauty, and it makes them all hallowed and divine, when we feel that not the apparent greatness, not the prominence nor noise with which it is done, nor the external consequences which flow from it, but the motive from which it flowed, determines the worth of our deed in God’s eyes. Faithfulness is faithfulness, on whatsoever scale it be set forth.” Alexander MacLaren
“Biblically speaking, faith and faithfulness stand to each other as root and fruit.” J. Hampton Keathley
Being faithful in the small things.
As we wrap up the end of the year, lately God has been leading me to pray for more faithfulness in the little things. This is something that we all can struggle with, but we never notice that we struggle with it. Don’t you realize that God in His sovereignty has placed people and resources in your life? He has given you friends, a spouse, neighbors, unbelieving co-workers, etc. who will only hear Christ through you. He has given you finances to be used for His glory. He has blessed us with different talents to bless others. Have you been faithful in these things? Have you been lazy in your love towards others?
We all want to be promoted without moving a finger. We want to go to a different country for missions, but are we involved in missions in our own country? If you’re not faithful in little, then what makes you think that you are going to be faithful in great things? We can be such hypocrites at times, myself included. We pray for opportunities to share the love of God and give to others. However, we see a homeless person, we make excuses, we judge him, and then we walk right past him. I have to continually ask myself, am I being faithful with what God has put in front of me? Examine the things that you’re praying for. Are you being faithful with the things that you already have?
1. Luke 16:10-12 “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else’s property, who will give you property of your own?”
2. Matthew 24:45-46 “Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time? It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns.”
Be faithful in little and allow God to prepare you for greater things.
Sometimes before God answers a certain prayer or before He has a greater opportunity for us, He has to mold our character. He has to build experience in us. He has to prepare us for things that might happen down the line. Moses worked as a shepherd for 40 years. Why was he a shepherd for so long? He was a shepherd for so long because God was preparing him for a greater task. God was preparing him to one day lead His people to the Promised Land. Moses was faithful in little and God increased His talents.
We tend to forget Romans 8:28 “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Just because something doesn’t fit your agenda does not mean it’s not from God. It’s foolish and dangerous to think that a small assignment is not from the Lord. God has to develop your character first to match the assignment. Our flesh doesn’t want to wait. We want it to be easy and we want the greater task now, but don’t neglect the mighty work that He has to do.
Some people put themselves in a position that they were never called to and it doesn’t end well for them. You can end up hurting yourself and hurting God’s name if you don’t allow Him to prepare you first. By faith, this should give us so much comfort to know that we are being prepared for something greater. I don’t know about you, but this gives me goosebumps! I’ve noticed in my own life that there is a recurring pattern/situation that I’m put in to help me with the things that I know I need to get better in. I know this is not a coincidence. This is God at work.
Look for that pattern in your own life to see what God is changing about you. Look for similar situations that you notice that always arise. Also, let’s not go overboard. I’m not referring to sin because God does not tempt us to sin. However, God might ask you to get out of your comfort zone to grow in a certain area and to better advance His Kingdom.
For example, I used to struggle with praying in groups. I noticed that there was a pattern of opportunities that started arising in my life where I had to lead group prayers. God helped me in my struggle by taking me out of my comfort zone. Always remain faithful and make sure that you quickly join in God’s activity.
3. Matthew 25:21 “The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!”
4. 1 Corinthians 4:2 “Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.”
5. Proverbs 28:20 “A faithful man will abound with blessings, But he who makes haste to be rich will not go unpunished.”
6. Genesis 12:1-2 “Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing.”
7. Hebrews 13:21 “May he equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to him. All glory to him forever and ever! Amen.”
Being faithful by giving thanks.
We tend to take everything for granted. One way to remain faithful and to be faithful in little is to continually thank God for the little that you do have. Thank Him for food, friends, laughter, finances, etc. Even if it is not much thank Him for it! I was so blessed by my trip to Haiti. I saw poor people that were full of joy. They were thankful for the little that they do have.
In the United States we are considered rich to them, but we are still unsatisfied. Why? We are unsatisfied because we are not growing in gratitude. When you stop giving thanks you become discontent and you start to take your eyes off your blessings and you turn your eyes to someone else’s blessings. Be thankful for the little that you do have which creates peace and joy. Have you lost sight of what God has done in your life? Do you still look back on His past faithfulness to you? Even if God didn’t answer a prayer in the way that you wanted, be thankful for how He answered.
8. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
9. Colossians 3:17 “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
10. Psalm 103:2 “Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all his benefits.”
11. Philippians 4:11-13 “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”
12. Psalm 30:4 “Sing the praises of the LORD, you his faithful people; praise his holy name.”
Imitate Christ and do God’s will no matter what.
When we look at the life of Christ we notice that He was never empty. Why? He was never empty because His food was to do the will of the Father and He always did the will of the Father. Jesus was continually faithful in all situations. He obeyed in suffering. He obeyed in humiliation. He obeyed when He felt alone.
Just like Christ we have to be faithful and stand firm in tough situations. If you have been a Christian for a long time, then you have been in situations where it was hard to serve Christ. There have been times when you felt alone. There have been times where it was hard to obey and not compromise because sin and sinful people were around you.
There have been times where you have been made fun of because of your faith. In all of the difficulties that we may face we must stand firm. The love of God drove Christ to keep going and in the same way the love of God drives us to continually obey when it gets tough. If you’re currently involved in a tough trial, remember that God is always faithful to His faithful servants.
13. 1 Peter 4:19 “So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.”
14. Hebrews 3:1-2 “Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, whom we acknowledge as our apostle and high priest. He was faithful to the one who appointed him, just as Moses was faithful in all God’s house.”
15. “James 1:12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”
16. Psalm 37:28-29 “For the LORD loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones. Wrongdoers will be completely destroyed; the offspring of the wicked will perish. The righteous will inherit the land and dwell in it forever.”
17. Proverbs 2:7-8 “He holds success in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones.”
18. 2 Chronicles 16:9 “For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. You have done a foolish thing, and from now on you will be at war.”
God’s faithfulness: God is always faithful
I often find myself quoting Matthew 9:24. “I believe; help my unbelief!” Sometimes we can all struggle with unbelief. Why should God care for a people like us? We sin, we doubt Him, we doubt His love at times, etc.
God is not like us, although sometimes we may be faithless God is always faithful. If God is who He says He is and He has proven to be faithful, then we can trust Him. The mere fact that God is faithful should lead us to be faithful to Him.
19. Lamentations 3:22–23 “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
20. Hebrews 10:23 “Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.”
21. Numbers 23:19 “God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?”
22. 2 Timothy 2:13 “If we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself.”
23. Proverbs 20:6 “Many claim to have unfailing love, but a faithful person who can find?”
24. Genesis 24:26-27 “Then the man bowed down and worshiped the Lord, 27 saying, “Praise be to the Lord, the God of my master Abraham, who has not abandoned his kindness and faithfulness to my master. As for me, the Lord has led me on the journey to the house of my master’s relatives.”
25. Psalm 26:1-3 “Vindicate me, Lord, for I have led a blameless life; I have trusted in the Lord and have not faltered. 2 Test me, Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind; 3 for I have always been mindful of your unfailing love and have lived in reliance on your faithfulness.”
26. Psalm 91:4 “He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.”
27. Deuteronomy 7:9 (KJV) “Know therefore that the Lord thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations.”
28. 1 Thessalonians 5:24 (ESV) “He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.”
29. Psalm 36:5 “Thy mercy, O Lord, is in the heavens; and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds.”
30. Psalm 136:1 “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, For His faithfulness is everlasting.”
31. Isaiah 25:1 “You are my God; I will exalt You, I will give thanks to Your name; For You have worked wonders, Plans formed long ago, with perfect faithfulness.”
Are you wondering how to be faithful?
Once someone puts their trust in Christ and becomes saved the Holy Spirit immediately dwells in that person. Unlike other religions, Christianity is God in us. Allow the Spirit to lead your life. Yield yourself to the Spirit. Once this happens being faithful is not something that is forced. Being faithful is no longer accomplished legalistically. The Spirit produces faith so being faithful becomes genuine.
It’s so easy to do something out of duty rather than love. When we yield to the Spirit God’s desires become our desires. Psalm 37:4 – “Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” One of the most important aspects of being saved is getting to know and enjoy Christ.
Through Christ you have been saved from the wrath of God. However, now you can begin to know Him, enjoy Him, walk with Him, have fellowship with Him, etc. Once you start becoming more intimate with Christ in prayer and once you get to know His presence, your faithfulness to Him will grow along with your desire to please Him.
To be faithful to God you have to realize how much He loves you. Remember how He has been faithful in the past. You have to trust and believe Him. To grow in these things, you have to spend time with Him and allow Him to speak to you.
32. Galatians 5:22-23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”
33. 1 Samuel 2:35 “I will raise up for myself a faithful priest, who will do according to what is in my heart and mind. I will firmly establish his priestly house, and they will minister before my anointed one always.”
34. Psalm 112:7 “He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD.”
35. Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
36. Psalm 37:3 “Trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.”
Reminders
37. 1 Samuel 2:9 “He will guard the feet of his faithful servants, but the wicked will be silenced in the place of darkness. “It is not by strength that one prevails.”
38. 1 Samuel 26:23 “And the Lord will repay each man for his righteousness and his faithfulness; for the Lord handed you over to me today, but I refused to reach out with my hand against the Lord’s anointed.”
39. Psalm 18:25 “With the faithful You show Yourself faithful; With the blameless You prove Yourself blameless.”
40. Psalm 31:23 “Love the Lord, all His godly ones! The Lord watches over the faithful But fully repays the one who acts arrogantly.”
41. Lamentations 3:23 “They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.”
Examples of faithfulness in the Bible
42. Hebrews 11:7 “By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that is in keeping with faith.”
43. Hebrews 11:11 “And by faith even Sarah, who was past childbearing age, was enabled to bear children because she considered him faithful who had made the promise.”
44. Hebrews 3:2 “For he was faithful to God, who appointed him, just as Moses served faithfully when he was entrusted with God’s entire house.”
45. Nehemiah 7:2 “That I gave my brother Hanani, and Hananiah the ruler of the palace, charge over Jerusalem: for he was a faithful man, and feared God above many.”
46. Nehemiah 9:8 “You found his heart faithful to you, and you made a covenant with him to give to his descendants the land of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Jebusites and Girgashites. You have kept your promise because you are righteous.”
47. Genesis 5:24 “Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away.”
48. Genesis 6:9 “This is the account of Noah and his family. Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked faithfully with God.”
49. Genesis 48:15 “Then he blessed Joseph and said, “May the God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked faithfully, the God who has been my shepherd all my life to this day.”
50. 2 Chronicles 32:1 “Sennacherib Invades Judah After these acts of faithfulness Sennacherib king of Assyria came and invaded Judah and besieged the fortified cities, and intended to break into them for himself.”
51. 2 Chronicles 34:12 “The men did the work faithfully with foremen over them to supervise: Jahath and Obadiah, the Levites of the sons of Merari, Zechariah and Meshullam of the sons of the Kohathites, and the Levites, all who were skillful with musical instruments.”
These gospel words have empowered my soul and I have learned how to be faithful to God. Thank you!