Fresh FruitSample

Day 9 | Faithfulness

Is there anything that proves someone cares for you more than when they’re faithful?  

Faithful to show up.  

To stick up for you in a crowd.  

To protect you.

To defend you.  

“Faithful” doesn’t just mean ‘barely there’.  

It  means wholeheartedly standing in our corner and choosing us over anyone else.  Every time.  Faithfulness is a statement of what we think is important.  It’s evidence of what we’re committed to. 

And I think that’s what it means to God.

Sold out.  

Never denying.  

Never running away.  

Standing in the gap.

Always claiming.  

Always loyal.

Always there.

That’s faithfulness.

Let’s think about faithfulness.

What’s  the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of faithfulness?  If you’ve ever been betrayed, that gets the spotlight.  I’ve been there.  You probably have too. 

When you’ve given your best and believe you’re safe. Then, all of a sudden -- out of nowhere -- your friend, your boyfriend, maybe even your husband or a family member -- this person you’ve entrusted your heart to -- can seemingly crush it on a whim.  It’s the most empty, lost feeling in the world.  It’s a feeling I’ve felt very little in my lifetime and hope to never feel again.  

You know how it makes you feel.  So imagine.  How does it make others feel?  And what about God?  

We have an obligation to be faithful.  I think a big part of faithfulness is being 100% there.  The total person.   Every word.  Every action.  We must be faithful to our families.  Faithful to our friends.  Faithful to our conscience.  Faithful to God.  

If we’re not anything else in this life, we must be true to ourselves and true to God.

What are some areas in your life that challenge your faithfulness?  When it comes to this fruit, what causes you to waver in your loyalty?  When is the last time you stood up for a friend? Your husband?  Or someone else you really care about?  What about God?

Think about someone in your life who is faithful to you.  It may be a friend, a parent, a sibling – before the end of this week, send them a note and thank them for their devotion to your relationship.  Tell them specifically that you appreciate the trust and safety you feel with them.  

And remember, not everyone is the same.  Figure out what  faithfulness means to those you care most about and adjust your actions so they understand. 

Search the Word for God’s call to be faithful.  Ask Him to reveal to you anything in your life that lacks faithfulness.  Ask Him to show you how to bring your total person to those areas.