Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Scope:Fidelity, in a biblical context, refers to faithfulness, loyalty, and steadfastness in one's commitments and relationships. It encompasses the idea of being true to one's word, promises, and duties, particularly in relation to God, family, and community. Fidelity is a virtue that is highly esteemed in Scripture, reflecting the character of God Himself.
Biblical Foundation:The concept of fidelity is deeply rooted in the nature of God, who is described as faithful throughout the Bible. In
Deuteronomy 7:9, it is written, "Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; He is the faithful God, keeping His covenant of loving devotion for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments." God's faithfulness serves as the ultimate model for human fidelity.
Fidelity in Relationships:1.
To God: Fidelity to God is paramount and is expressed through obedience, worship, and trust. In
1 Corinthians 4:2, Paul emphasizes the importance of being faithful stewards of God's mysteries: "Now it is required of stewards that they be found faithful." This faithfulness is a response to God's unwavering commitment to His people.
2.
In Marriage: Fidelity in marriage is a central theme in Scripture, where the marital relationship is often used as a metaphor for God's relationship with His people. In
Ephesians 5:31-32, Paul writes, "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. This mystery is profound, but I am speaking about Christ and the church." Marital fidelity is a reflection of the covenantal faithfulness between Christ and the Church.
3.
To Others: Fidelity extends to relationships with others, including family, friends, and the broader community.
Proverbs 17:17 states, "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." This verse highlights the importance of loyalty and steadfastness in friendships and familial bonds.
Fidelity in Practice:Fidelity is not merely an abstract concept but is demonstrated through actions and choices. In
Luke 16:10, Jesus teaches, "Whoever is faithful with very little is also faithful with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much." This principle underscores the importance of integrity and reliability in all aspects of life, whether in small or significant matters.
Challenges to Fidelity:The Bible acknowledges the challenges to maintaining fidelity, including temptation, trials, and human weakness. In
1 Corinthians 10:13, believers are encouraged with the assurance that "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear." This promise highlights God's support in helping believers remain faithful.
Fidelity and Reward:Scripture promises rewards for those who remain faithful. In
Revelation 2:10, the church in Smyrna is exhorted, "Be faithful, even unto death, and I will give you the crown of life." This promise of eternal reward serves as motivation for believers to persevere in fidelity despite challenges.
Conclusion:While fidelity is a challenging virtue to uphold, it is essential for a life that honors God and reflects His character. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, believers are equipped to live faithfully in all areas of life, trusting in God's faithfulness as their foundation.
Topical Bible Verses
Revelation 22:19And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
Topicalbible.orgEphesians 6:5
Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as to Christ;
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Hebrews 13:4
Marriage is honorable in all, and the bed undefiled: but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.
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Luke 16:18
Whoever puts away his wife, and marries another, commits adultery: and whoever marries her that is put away from her husband commits adultery.
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Colossians 3:22
Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eye-service, as men pleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God;
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1 Timothy 6:1
Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed.
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Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) Faithfulness; loyalty; adherence to right; careful and exact observance of duty; as fidelity to one's spouse, or discharge of obligations.
2. (n.) Adherence to a person or party to which one is bound; loyalty.
3. (n.) Adherence to the marriage contract.
4. (n.) Adherence to truth; veracity; honesty.
Greek
4102. pistis -- faith, faithfulness... proof (1). assurance, belief, believe, faith,
fidelity. From peitho; persuasion,
ie Credence; moral conviction (of religious truth
...Strong's Hebrew
530. emunah -- firmness, steadfastness,fidelity... 529, 530. emunah. 531 . firmness, steadfastness,
fidelity. Transliteration:
emunah Phonetic Spelling: (em-oo-naw') Short Definition: faithfulness.
...7187. qeshot -- truth
... truth. (Aramaic) or qshot (Aramaic) {kesh-ote'}; corresponding to qoshet;fidelity --
truth. see HEBREW qoshet. 7186, 7187. qeshot or qeshot. 7188 ....
Library
Twelfth Day.Fidelity in Rebuke.
...FIDELITY IN REBUKE.... But neither, for the sake of a false peace, must we compromise
fidelity; even friendship is too dearly purchased by winking at sin....
TheFidelity of the Senses, Impugned by Plato, vindicated by...
... Chapter XVII."TheFidelity of the Senses, Impugned by Plato, Vindicated
by Christ Himself. Then, again, when we encounter the...
TheFidelity of Memory; the Unsearchable Treasure of Memory; the...
... Book IV. Chapter 10."TheFidelity of Memory; The Unsearchable Treasure of Memory;
The Powers of a Man's Understanding Sufficiently Understood by None....
Letter xviii. --Sacrifice andFidelity.
... ARIDITIES, WEAKNESSES AND WEARINESS. Letter XVIII."Sacrifice andFidelity.... Sacrifice
andfidelity are the death of self-love. My dear Sister,....
Letter xxii. --Fidelity to the Call of God.
... SECOND BOOK: ON THE EXERCISE OF THE VIRTUE OF ABANDONMENT Letter XXII."Fidelity
to the Call of God. To a Postulant. On abandonment...
Of the Destruction of the Saguntines, who Received no Help from...
... Book III. Chapter 20."Of the Destruction of the Saguntines, Who Received No Help
from the Roman Gods, Though Perishing on Account of TheirFidelity to Rome....
Fragment vi. In a Similar Manner Should He Conduct Himself to...
... Fragment VI. In a similar manner should he conduct himself to whosefidelity
are entrusted the vessels? In a similar manner should...
I do not Know, Moreover, How Celsus could Hear of the Elephants'...
... Chapter XCVIII. I do not know, moreover, how Celsus could hear of the
elephants'fidelity to oaths? I do not know, moreover, how...
Julian Inflicted Evils Upon the Inhabitants of C??sarea. Bold...
... Book V. Chapter IV."Julian inflicted Evils upon the Inhabitants of C??sarea.
BoldFidelity of Maris, Bishop of Chalcedon. About...
The Work of Our Sanctification.
... BOOK I. ON THE VIRTUE OF ABANDONMENT TO DIVINE PROVIDENCE; ITS NATURE AND
EXCELLENCE.CHAPTER I. SANCTITY CONSISTS INFIDELITY TO THE ORDER ESTABLISHED BY...
Thesaurus
Fidelity (13 Occurrences)... 1. (n.) Faithfulness; loyalty; adherence to right; careful and exact observance
of duty; as
fidelity to one's spouse, or discharge of obligations.
...Faith (769 Occurrences)
... 6. (n.)Fidelity to one's promises, or allegiance to duty, or to a person
honored and beloved; loyalty. 7. (n.) Word or honor pledged...
Truth (380 Occurrences)
... In Isaiah 59:14, 15, Jeremiah 7:28, it meansfidelity or truthfulness....
3. (n.)Fidelity; constancy; steadfastness; faithfulness....
Rechabites (4 Occurrences)
... They adhered to the law laid down by Jonadab, and were noted for theirfidelity
to the old-established custom of their family in the days of Jeremiah (35); and...
Allegiance (7 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) The tie or obligation, implied or expressed, which a subject owes to his
sovereign or government; the duty offidelity to one's king, government, or...
Adherence (1 Occurrence)
... 2. (n.) The state of being fixed in attachment;fidelity; steady attachment;
adhesion. Multi-Version Concordance Adherence (1 Occurrence)....
Shimei (43 Occurrences)
... David forgave him; but on his death-bed he gave Solomon special instructions regarding
Shimei, of whosefidelity he seems to have been in doubt (1 Kings 2:8, 9...
Faithfulness (91 Occurrences)
... of the faithfulness (aletheia) of God, abounding to His glory (Romans 3:7). God's
faithfulness here is His unchangeable constancy andfidelity to His covenant...
Faithful (136 Occurrences)
... is bound by a vow, be ties of love, gratitude, or honor, as to a husband, a prince,
a friend; firm in the observance of duty; loyal; of truefidelity; as, a...
Names (133 Occurrences)
... It is not unlikely that the giving of a character name represented the parents'
purpose andfidelity in the child's training, resulting necessarily in giving...
Resources
What is an Elks Lodge / Elks Club? | GotQuestions.orgWhat can we learn from the account of Potiphar's wife? | GotQuestions.orgRegulative vs. normative principle of worship'which viewpoint is correct? | GotQuestions.orgFidelity: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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