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 have 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.
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. 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?
For the second week of our five-week Christmas study, we focus on Joseph, the man chosen by God to be the earthly father of Jesus. (If you are studying along with us online, please read Matthew 1:18-25 as you prepare to hear this week’s teaching lecture.) We invite you to watch as Laura shares insights on Joseph, a crucial character in the Christmas story.
Have you subscribed to our newsletter? By joining our mailing list, you will be among the first to know when Laura publishes a new blog post or shares important updates – and we will never give your email address to another person or group, for any reason.
