Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  8000 The life of the believer  »  8200 The character of the believer  »  8248 faithfulness  »  8252 faithfulness, in human relationships

Loyalty and commitment within human relationships is important in the life of God's people. It is seen particularly in fidelity within marriage, fulfilling family obligations, honouring vows, dutiful service and trustworthy speech and conduct.

Faithfulness within society

It is important in the life of God's people

Hosea 12:6 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 Micah 6:8; Matthew 23:23 pp Luke 11:42

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

Psalm 89:14 See also Deuteronomy 32:4; Isaiah 11:4-5

Faithfulness in marriage

Hebrews 13:4 See also Malachi 2:11,14-15; Matthew 5:27-28; Exodus 20:14; Ephesians 5:33; 1 Timothy 5:9

Faithfulness in family relationships

1 Timothy 5:4,8 See also Genesis 24:47-51 fulfilling family obligations in marriage arrangements; Genesis 47:28-31 fulfilling family obligations regarding burial

Ruth's faithfulness to Naomi:

Ruth 1:16-18; Ruth 2:11-12 1 Samuel 2:19 Hannah visits Samuel regularly.

The wife of noble character provides for her family:

Proverbs 31:15,21,27-28 John 19:25-27 Jesus Christ provides for his mother.

Faithfulness to vows and covenants

Numbers 30:2

Jacob and Laban:

Genesis 29:18,30

The sons of Israel and Joseph:

Genesis 50:25; Exodus 13:19

The Israelites and Rahab:

Joshua 2:14; Joshua 6:25 Joshua 9:15-20 Joshua and the Gibeonites

David and Jonathan:

1 Samuel 18:3; Samuel 20:8,42; Samuel 23:16 1 Kings 20:34 Ben-Hadad and Ahab

Faithfulness in speech

In carrying messages

Proverbs 13:17 See also Proverbs 25:13

In telling the truth

Proverbs 12:17; Proverbs 14:5

In bringing God's word

Jeremiah 23:28 See also 2 Corinthians 2:17; Corinthians 4:2; 2 Timothy 2:15

Faithfulness in conduct

In serving others

3Jn 5 See also Romans 16:1-2; Galatians 6:10; 1 Peter 4:10

In intercession

Romans 1:9-10; Ephesians 6:18; Colossians 4:2-4

In giving

2 Corinthians 8:7-11 See also 2 Chronicles 31:5-10; Philippians 4:15-18

In handling money

2 Kings 12:13-15 See also 2 Kings 22:7; 2 Chronicles 31:12-15; Matthew 25:21; Luke 16:10; Luke 19:17

The rarity of true faithfulness

Proverbs 20:6 See also Psalm 12:1-2; Isaiah 57:1; Jeremiah 17:9

See also

5430  oaths, human
5468  promises, human
5680  family
5708  marriage
5717  monogamy
8210  commitment to God's people
8275  honesty
8354  trustworthiness
8434  giving
8652  importunity