What Is Faithfulness?

Faithfulness is a highly valued quality. It’s also a rare one. That’s why Proverbs 20:6 says, “…who can find a faithful man?” (NKJV).

So, what is faithfulness?

Translated from the Greek word pistis, the word faithfulness means “steadfastness,” “trustworthiness” and “consistency.” It’s defined in Webster’s dictionary as “firmly adhering to duty; true fidelity; loyal, true to allegiance; constant in the performance of duties or services.” 

A faithful person is dependable, true to their word, and diligent to fulfill their responsibilities—as a husband, a wife, a parent, a member of a church, an employee, a boss or in any other role. More importantly, it is a fruit of the spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).

When you have the force of faithfulness flowing in your life, you can be trusted to do what’s right even when no one is looking. Your employer doesn’t have to watch over you every minute to make sure you’re not goofing off. Your spouse knows your eyes won’t wander and your heart won’t be pulled toward another. Your children know they can count on you to do what you’ve said you will do. And your church knows they can count on you in every way.

In the world, faithfulness is scarce. It’s a rare commodity. But as believers, we should be famous for being faithful! We should be known by everyone, everywhere, for being the most dependable and trustworthy people anyone has ever seen, because we have an endless supply of faithfulness available to us. We’ve inherited the faithfulness of our heavenly Father!