Faithful

Faithful is a word that is often associated with God, but what does it actually mean? Webster defines the term faithful as, "Steadfast in affection or allegiance: loyal; firm in adherence to promises or in observance of duty: conscientious; given with strong assurance: binding; true to the facts, to a standard, or to an original." We can clearly see how all of these definitions apply to our faithful God.

The first part of the definition of faithful (according to Webster) is, "Steadfast in affection or allegiance: loyal." 1 Corinthians 1:9 says, “God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.” 1 Corinthians 10:13 states, “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, Who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” God is loyal in our trials to make a way out. 2 Thessalonians 3:3 says, “But the Lord is faithful, Who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.” The Lord will establish us and guide our steps. Hebrews 10: 23 says, “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for He is faithful that promised;)” God is loyal to His Word. Revelation 19:11 says, “And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and He that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He doth judge and make war.” God is called faithful.

Webster also stated that faithful meant, "firm in adherence to promises or in observance of duty: conscientious." One verse that shows God's faithfulness to His promise is Deuteronomy 7:9, “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;” 1 Thessalonians 5:24 declares, “Faithful is He that calleth you, Who also will do it.” God will perform His promises to them who love Him. 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Because God is faithful, we are cleansed from sin!

Jesus was faithful to His purpose and duty to come to earth. Hebrews 2:17 says, “Wherefore in all things it behoved Him to be made like unto His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.” Revelation 1:5 says, “And from Jesus Christ, Who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood.” Jesus was faithful, even unto His death on the cross.

Another piece of the webster definition of faithful is, "Given with strong assurance: binding; true to the facts, to a standard, or to an original." God's Word is faithful. Psalm 119:138 says, “Thy testimonies that Thou hast commanded are righteous and very faithful.” Revelation 21:5 states, “And He that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And He said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.” God can be trusted to fulfill His Word. He never strays from His standards of righteousness and truth.

We can also be faithful to God. One such example is Daniel in the Bible. Daniel 6:4 says, “Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him.” My, what a testimony Daniel had! No one could find a fault against him because he was faithful in everything he did! I want a testimony like that. Daniel did have to suffer injustice and be thrown into the den of lions, but God delivered him up without even a scratch.

If we keep His Word and live by it, God has great rewards for us. Psalm 31:23 declares, “O love the Lord, all ye his saints: for the Lord preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer.” Psalm 101:6 says, “Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me: he that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve me.”  God watches out for us on a 24/7 basis. God also brings blessings to His faithful followers. Proverbs 28:20 states, “A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.” At the end of life's journey, I long to hear the words of Jesus in Matthew 25:21, “His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” Revelation 17:14 says, “These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for He is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with Him are called, and chosen, and faithful.” Be steadfast in your faith, it has great benefits!

God is faithful, even if we do not believe. 2 Timothy 2:13 states, “If we believe not, yet He abideth faithful: He cannot deny Himself.” Faithfulness is a part of Who God is.

God is always faithful, even when His people aren't. I'll admit that I've had my moments of doubt and wanted to give up, but my faithful Savior kept me going through it all. I love the words to the song Goodness of God, "All my life you have been faithful, all my life you have been so so good, with every breath that I am able, I will sing of the goodness of God."