What other scriptures emphasize the importance of reliability and trustworthiness? The picture: a cool breeze at harvest (Proverbs 25:13) “Like the coolness of snow at harvest time is a trustworthy messenger to those who send him; he refreshes the soul of his masters.” Why God prizes reliability – Work gets done and people are blessed. – A faithful messenger mirrors God’s own faithfulness. – Trustworthiness protects the gospel’s reputation. Old Testament echoes • Proverbs 11:13 — “A gossip reveals secrets, but a trustworthy person keeps a confidence.” • Proverbs 13:17 — “A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a faithful envoy brings healing.” • Proverbs 20:6 — “Many a man proclaims his loving devotion, but who can find a trustworthy man?” • Psalm 15:2-4 — The one who “keeps his oath even when it hurts” may dwell with the LORD. • Psalm 101:6 — “My eyes will favor the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me.” • Isaiah 26:2 — “Open the gates so a righteous nation may enter—one that remains faithful.” • Micah 6:8 — Walking humbly with God includes acting justly and loving faithfulness. New Testament confirmations • Matthew 5:37 — “Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ ” • Luke 16:10-12 — Faithful in little? Then faithful in much. • 1 Corinthians 4:2 — “It is required of stewards that each one be found faithful.” • 2 Timothy 2:2 — Entrust truth “to faithful men who will be qualified to teach others.” • Titus 2:9-10 — Servants must show “all good faith, so that they will adorn the teaching of God our Savior in every way.” • Revelation 2:10 — “Be faithful even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.” God Himself—the standard of faithfulness • Lamentations 3:22-23 — “Great is Your faithfulness.” • Hebrews 10:23 — “He who promised is faithful.” • 1 Thessalonians 5:24 — “The One who calls you is faithful, and He will do it.” Putting reliability into practice – Speak truth promptly (Ephesians 4:25). – Finish tasks as if serving Christ (Colossians 3:23-24). – Guard confidences; refuse gossip (Proverbs 11:13). – Keep commitments even when inconvenient (Psalm 15:4; Matthew 5:37). – Be consistent in small things—God notices (Luke 16:10). |
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