The number seven Fruit of the Spirit

Faithfulness is the quality of reliability or trustworthiness which not only relates to God but makes a Christian someone on whom others can utterly rely on.

• Faithfulness (Greek: pistis, Latin: fides)

There are three types of faith: faith to live by, the gift of faith, and the fruit of faith, which is an aspect of character, something that must be carefully cultivated. In some versions of the Bible this is translated “faith,” in others it’s translated “faithfulness.” These are like the two sides of one coin. On one side is depending—that’s faith. On the other side being dependable—that’s faithfulness.

For though fidelity, both in words and actions, which is very ornamental to the Gospel, and a profession of religion may be meant; yet faith in Christ is not to be excluded, as it is generally by interpreters; for this is not of a man’s self, nor have all men it: it is a gift of God, the operation of his power, and the work of his Spirit, whence he is styled the spirit of faith; and which therefore must have a place among his fruits; and which lies and shows itself in believing in Christ for salvation, in embracing the doctrines of the Gospel, and making a profession of them, which is called the profession of faith; all which, when right, comes from the Spirit of God.