If we studied the word “faithfulness” in the bible, we would find that the vast majority of uses refer not to our faithfulness, but to God’s. We are encouraged to be faithful, but some how always seem to come up short. However, God’s faithfulness in beyond question, never wanes and is eternal. This is why faithfulness is a fruit of the Spirit. It cannot be maintained through the flesh. We cannot be successful in faithfulness unless there is a power that comes from above. Throughout human history, we have broken every law, covenant, commandment, or promise we have made with God. In turn God has continued to love us, move closer to us, and even sacrifice himself to display His level of faithfulness to us.

Have you ever had a boy or girl you liked in school? I mean really liked and wanted their attention? You always spoke to them, wrote them notes, tried to be a real friend to them. All the time, they weren’t really interested in you. But you weren’t willing to give up on trying to get them to like you. So you kept the pressure on, you continued to show them (in various ways) that you liked them and soon they would realize that you weren’t going to give up. Maybe the faithfulness of the pursuit finally wore them down, or they gave you some attention out of pity (that’s mainly what happened to me) or they actually started to like you too; and a wonderful new relationship bloomed.

That’s how God’s faithfulness works. No matter how much we reject him, he still keeps coming, loving us all the time. He keeps coming, he keeps wanting, he keeps pursuing. And like us, he hopes for that relationship one day. My hope is that out of your faithfulness, a new and wonderful relationship with God will bloom and blossom for years to come.

Tim Beck is pastor of Kenbridge United Methodist Church. His email address is revtimbeck@ gmail.com.