In this verse, the Greek word pistis is used for faithfulness. It has the feeling of moral conviction of the truth of God and holding consistently to this conviction.
- Adhering firmly and devotedly to a person, cause, or idea
- Having faith or full of faith.
- Fidelity - strict observance of promises and duties. loyalty
- Worthy of trust or belief; reliable.
- Consistent with truth or actuality as a faithful reproduction of the portrait.
As I see it, being faithful as a Christian, means believing in what the Bible says and holding devotedly to the person and teaching of Jesus Christ. This seems easy. It is exactly what I profess. But the meaning of faithfulness is holding consistently to my conviction.
I think that exhibiting faithfulness means paying consistent attention to the details of life. Am I faithful to my Christian belief ALL the time? I have only to read more of Galatians chapter 5 to be challenged.
In reading the verses just before the famous Fruit of the Spirit, I have to take a deeper look at myself. Verse 5:16 says that if I live by the Spirit, I will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. In Galatians 5:19-21 there is a list of sinful acts. There are some big sins that I would never think of taking part in. - sexual immorality, debauchery, idolatry, witchcraft, drunkenness, orgies - I can feel good about myself because I don't have a problem with these. However, being faithful to all of God's word, I must look at all this verse has to say. There are more sinful acts listed.
As a Christian, we are to become more and more like Christ. This means paying attention to the details, so, I will pray for God's help in developing faithfulness to all of His teachings so that I might become a faithful reproduction of Christ.
Complete listing of the Fruit of the Spirit.