Dear Harpeth Hills Family,
For the past several weeks, we have been looking at the fruit of the Spirit. This week the fruit is faithfulness.
Faithful is defined as the steadfast adherence to a person or thing to which one is bound, as by an oath or obligation. Some synonyms include dedicated, steadfast, devoted, dependable, accurate, and true.
Sadly, faithfulness is often a rare commodity in our society today. It is easy to slip into a mindset of doubt and cynicism. We live in a broken world, and we may have gone through painful experiences that cause us to lose our trust in others. We have all seen or experienced failed marriage, lost friendship, and broken contracts. Our highly uncommitted society is deeply marred by unfaithfulness and disloyalty. The scattered debris of broken promises and shattered trust can be seen through our culture.
As we turn to scripture, we find three main areas that faithfulness is mentioned. The word “faithful” or “faithfulness” is found over 250 times in the Bible.
1. God is faithful to us.
Lamentations 3:22-24 (ESV)
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.”
2. Our faithfulness to God.
Proverbs 3:3 (ESV)
Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart.
3. Our faithfulness to each other.
Proverbs 20:6 (NIV)
Many claim to have unfailing love, but a faithful person who can find?
Proverbs 28:20 (NIV)
A faithful person will be richly blessed, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished.
How wonderful it is to know that the assurance of our forgiveness is not anchored in our oft-misguided feelings, but in the unwavering faithfulness of our changeless God!
We love you.
-Your Shepherds