“If we are faithless, he remains faithful – for he cannot deny himself.”
2 Timothy 2:13
Praise be to God for His unfailing faithfulness. This simple verse is such a powerful encouragement. I know that I am a sinner. I proclaim the name of Jesus and then faithlessly fail to live up to my calling. It happens over and over again, and I am in constant need of God’s grace and mercy. I know that I’m not the only one. It’s a struggle common to all mankind. We are all imperfect, and we are all in need of saving. Thankfully, there is a God who is mighty to save, and he is faithful no matter what.
We see time and time again throughout the Old Testament how the Israelites turn away from God, worship idols, and forget the faithfulness that delivered them out of slavery. Every time they turn away, they are eventually reminded of their dependence on God and return to him. Every time, God welcomes them back. He proves his faithfulness over and over and over and over again. We may fail on our end of the deal, but he never will.
Should we take advantage of this faithfulness and assume that there is no need for obedience? Of course not. Jesus says in Matthew 5:48 that we must be perfect, just as God is perfect. We are called to nothing less than the perfect righteousness of God. It says in 1 John that anyone who says they know God but doesn’t obey him is lying and does not know Him. But there is hope for us, despite our disobedience. 1 John 2:1-2 says “My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.”
When we fail, we have an advocate in Jesus Christ who is the propitiation for all sin. His faithfulness cleanses our unfaithfulness time and time again. You see, it is the very nature of God to be faithful. As the verse in 2 Timothy says, he remains faithful because he cannot deny himself. He can’t be faithless when his entire being is faithful. Thank God for that. When we are faithless, he remains faithful. What a blessing to be loved faithfully and unconditionally.
Prayer:
Father,
Help me to be faithful. Help me to be perfect as you yourself are perfect. Let your Holy Spirit live in me, and let me be guided by it and not by the world or my own sinful nature. God, thank you for your unending faithfulness. Thank you for never giving up or turning back on me, even when I turn my own back on you. Forgive me for my sins, and restore me to you.
In Jesus Name,
Amen.
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