While the Greek word for faithfulness often denotes the faith that we have in God, most all agree that in Galatians 5:22 it refers to our fidelity to Him.  When we walk by the Spirit, we are led to being faithful to God in all things.  This is a fruit that everyone on the pathway to heaven bears.

To bear the fruit of the Spirit is to be faithful to God’s word.  This begins with believing that it is indeed the Word of God (1 Thessalonians 2:13).

What is the evidence that we truly believe that the Word is really from God?  First, it is seen by our faithful following of it.  Those who believe that the Bible sets forth the Word of God will live by it.  That is a part of what Luke meant when he said that the early church continued in the apostles’ teaching.  They made proper application of the things that they were taught.

Second, those who believe that the Word is from God will both teach and defend it to others.  Paul is a great example of this.  He went everywhere preaching the Word, even to places like Corinth that were known for their immoral ways and love for the things of this world.  He never compromised or watered down the gospel, but instead, he boldly taught and defended it (Philippians 1:15-16).  This was his customary practice because he knew he was teaching God’s Word

Being faithful to God includes more than being faithful to His Word, it also involves being faithful to His people—the church.   To be faithful to the church is to be reliable.  This begins with attending every service of the local church that you join.

Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV)
²⁴  And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, ²⁵  not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

We often point to this passage to show that forsaking the assembling of the saints is a sin against God, and it is.  It shows a lack of love for and interest in Him.  It is hard to imagine someone claiming to be a Christian disliking worshipping God, but it is sometimes the case, and it is nothing new.

When you look more closely at this passage, you see that to forsake the assembling of the saints is to show a lack of love for brethren as well as for God.  It is to fail to encourage the saints, and, in fact, becomes a source of discouragement.  Are you faithful to the church?  Can the church count on you to be in your place?  Attendance is just one small part of faithfulness to the church, and to God, but it is probably the first sign that one has committed himself to Him.

Are you bearing the fruit of faithfulness?  We are all stewards of God, and the first duty of a steward is to be faithful (1 Corinthians 4:1).  Let’s make sure we are bearing this important fruit of the Spirit by obeying God in all things and showing loyalty to the cause of Christ.  Remember, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4).

As you wind down for the night, think about these things.