What is Faithfulness?
Faithfulness is the characteristic of reliability and the trait of loyalty. God is faithful and we can always count on Him. A faithful person is one who does what they say.
What is Faithfulness?
Faithfulness is the characteristic of reliability and the trait of loyalty. God is faithful and we can always count on Him. A faithful person is one who does what they say.
- Read 1 Corinthians 10:13. What does this tell you about the faithfulness of God?
- Luke 16:10 is part of a parable on faithfulness. It communicates the importance of faithfulness in little things. How do you do in showing faithfulness in little things at work, in relationships, with your family?
- Read Proverbs 20:6. Why is faithfulness so hard to find? How can you display faithfulness to others this week?
Best Use
Date night discussion on the fruit of faithfulness
Advance Prep
A Bible, pen, and paper
Step One
Read Luke 16:10 together. This verse tells us being a faithful person starts in small ways.
Step Two
Each of you create a list of “little big things” in which your spouse has shown himself or herself faithful in your relationship and in life. The following examples may prompt other ideas…
- Shows up to work on time and works hard
- Makes being home for dinner a priority
- Spends within our means
- Avoids time alone or connection with the opposite sex
- Shows the kids affection
Step Three
Read the list to your spouse and explain why this “little” thing is “big” to you. Examples may include…
- “You avoid time with the opposite sex which makes me feel more secure.”
- “You work hard on your job showing me you are willing to sacrifice for your family and that brings us a sense of stability.”
- “You help us spend our money wisely which keeps us out of serious debt.”
Step Four
Celebrate one another’s “little big things” by sharing a favorite specialty coffee or dessert.
Step Five
Pray and thank God for His faithfulness and the ways your spouse models faithfulness.
Best Use
Conversation during drive time about faithfulness and how we can trust God
Advance Prep
A Bible and a vehicle
Step One
Take a drive to run errands or to go get a special treat. Before you leave, have someone in the family read Deuteronomy 7:9. God is faithful! We can trust Him and His Word. When times are tough or we don’t understand things, we can trust that the God who loves us is in control.
Step Two
While driving, be on the lookout for old cars or trucks. Those vehicles must be faithful for the owner to still be driving it around. Look for other old things like trees or buildings. Discuss how they have stood the test of time. If something is faithful, we trust it. The same is true of people. Faithful people are trustworthy.
Suggestion
If you are stopping to get a special treat, use the remaining step as you eat together. If not, use it when you arrive at your destination.
Step Three
Luke 16:10 says “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.” What are some little ways you can be faithful? What are some bigger ways you can be faithful (e.g. telling truth, do what you say you will do, obeying parents, obeying God’s Word)?
Pray
Finish your time as you pray and ask God to help your family connect with Him so that you can be more faithful and dependable. Thank Him that He is trustworthy, in control and that we can trust Him.
Best Use
An activity with older children/teens to consider the faithfulness of God and how our ability to display this fruit overflows from His faithfulness to us
Advance Prep
Find a setting to take pictures of different sports teams. Bring a digital camera/smartphone, pen, and paper.
Step One
Parents and teens should take five pictures of different sports teams found on signs, bumper stickers, in stores, yards, houses, or anywhere outside the home. The only rule is that you cannot take a picture of the same team more than once.
Step Two
After the pictures have been taken, make a list of all the sports teams represented.
Step Three
Each person explain which two teams they think have the most loyal fans. Discuss why these fans would be more loyal. Is their loyalty most likely a result of the team or the fans?
Step Four
It is easy to be loyal when your team is winning but harder when they lose. Faithfulness is similar to loyalty but goes so much deeper. It means to be loyal and reliable. Read Psalm 86:15 to see that God is abounding in love and faithfulness. Part of His character is a never-ending supply of faithfulness.
Step Five
Each person name at least one person who has proven themself loyal and reliable. Describe what that has meant in your life.
Step Six
Go around and speak one-sentence prayers thanking God for being faithful and for those named in step five that model faithfulness to us.
Parents
For families with children, an optional Preschool and Elementary Reward System is available to use as a teaching aid to encourage your kids to live out each character trait.
Click here to request a reward system or pick one up at the Bethel Kids desk.
