When we give our word, in a certain sense we give ourselves. We put ‘on the line’ what is most intimate to ourselves. In spite of his personal failings, a true disciple and follower of Christ will be honest and loyal, a man of his word. In the Church, we Christians are called ‘the faithful’. This term underlines the state acquired by the members of the People of God through Baptism (cf A. del Portillo, Faithful and Laity in the Church, pp15 ff). But a person who inspires confidence, whom we can trust, can also be called faithful. People like this live up to the confidence placed in them, to the demands of love, friendship or duty . This kind of person keeps his word. In Holy Scripture the term ‘faithful’ is applied to God himself because no one is more worthy of trust than He. God is always faithful to his promises; he never fails to keep his word. In Saint Paul’s words: God is faithful and he will not let you be tempted beyond your strength (1 Cor 10:13).
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