Faithfulness in human relationships

Faithfulness within society

It is important in the life of God’s people

The word translated “love” is the Hebrew word “hesed”, which here expresses the loyalty and faithfulness that should characterise the life of God’s people.

See also ;

It is a reflection of God’s faithfulness to his people

Psalm 89:14 ESV

Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; steadfast love and faithfulness go before you.

See also ;

Faithfulness in marriage

Hebrews 13:4 ESV

Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.

See also ; ; ; ; ;

Faithfulness in family relationships

1 Timothy 5:4 ESV

But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show godliness to their own household and to make some return to their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God.

See also fulfilling family obligations in marriage arrangements; fulfilling family obligations regarding burial

Ruth’s faithfulness to Naomi:

;

Hannah visits Samuel regularly.

The wife of noble character provides for her family:

; ;

Jesus Christ provides for his mother.

Faithfulness to vows and covenants

Numbers 30:2 ESV

If a man vows a vow to the Lord, or swears an oath to bind himself by a pledge, he shall not break his word. He shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth.

Jacob and Laban:

;

The sons of Israel and Joseph:

;

The Israelites and Rahab:

;

Joshua and the Gibeonites

David and Jonathan:

; ; ;

Ben-Hadad and Ahab

Faithfulness in speech

In carrying messages

Proverbs 13:17 ESV

A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a faithful envoy brings healing.

See also

In telling the truth

;

In bringing God’s word

Jeremiah 23:28 ESV

Let the prophet who has a dream tell the dream, but let him who has my word speak my word faithfully. What has straw in common with wheat? declares the Lord.

See also ; ;

Faithfulness in conduct

In serving others

3 John 5 ESV

Beloved, it is a faithful thing you do in all your efforts for these brothers, strangers as they are,

See also ; ;

In intercession

; ;

In giving

2 Corinthians 8:7–11 ESV

But as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you—see that you excel in this act of grace also. I say this not as a command, but to prove by the earnestness of others that your love also is genuine. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich. And in this matter I give my judgment: this benefits you, who a year ago started not only to do this work but also to desire to do it. So now finish doing it as well, so that your readiness in desiring it may be matched by your completing it out of what you have.

See also ;

In handling money

2 Kings 12:13–15 ESV

But there were not made for the house of the Lord basins of silver, snuffers, bowls, trumpets, or any vessels of gold, or of silver, from the money that was brought into the house of the Lord, for that was given to the workmen who were repairing the house of the Lord with it. And they did not ask for an accounting from the men into whose hand they delivered the money to pay out to the workmen, for they dealt honestly.

See also ; ; ; ;

The rarity of true faithfulness

Proverbs 20:6 ESV

Many a man proclaims his own steadfast love, but a faithful man who can find?

See also ; ;