Paul used the Greek word pistis to describe the seventh trait of the fruit produced by the Spirit working through a believer.  This Greek word is translated faithfulness in Galatians 5: 

But the fruit of the Spirit is … faithfulness … 

But it is also translated faith in many other New Testament passages: 

But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” 
Show me your faith without deeds, 
and I will show you my faith by my deeds.  
James 2:18 

Do faith and faithfulness offer different connotations? Does faith suggest an internal belief, while faithfulness denotes an external behavior? 

Dictionary.com defines faith: confidence or trust in a person or thing. For the Christian, of course, that person is Jesus Christ. Our belief in Him is the only way to receive God’s free gift of salvation. It cannot be earned, purchased, or inherited from our parents.  

If we are filled with faith, would/should/are we prompted, then, to live faithfully? Paul wrote to the Romans about “…the obedience that comes from faith” in Romans 1:5.  

Obedience without faith spirals quickly downward to legalism. It is not sustainable. But through faith in Christ, obedience is a joy – an easy burden, an offering to God, and a demonstration of our love for Him.  

Obedience without faith spirals quickly downward to legalism. It is not sustainable. But through faith in Christ, obedience is a joy – an easy burden, an offering to God, and a demonstration of our love for Him. Click To Tweet

In the Old Testament, we often see the phrase “love and faithfulness” used to describe God. These two words capture His character in a sweet, reassuring way. Aren’t we grateful we never have to doubt His love? He is loving and He is faithful.  

While we may think of faith and faithfulness as two different concepts, for the New Testament reader (or listener) of Greek, they were the same. Faith would produce faithfulness. 

Perhaps for the 21st-century believer, they should push us (in healthy ways) to embrace both. If I am filled with faith – if I have accepted the gift of salvation that comes by faith – then shouldn’t the faith on the inside work itself out to faithfulness on the outside?  

How does being filled with faith prompt faithfulness in your life and mine? How can we show others our faith by our deeds?

 

It’s not too late to be part of this month’s Write The Word:
download your Write The Word: Fruit of the Spirit (Part II)
bookmark & S.O.A.P. study guide,
then join us as we read, write & pray in November.

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