For the Faithful
Dependability
Keeping my promises and obligations even when it requires extra effort
Our current faith‑based resources are written from a Christian perspective, but we know that many other faith traditions also nurture strong character, and we want to honor and uplift that diversity.
We are actively seeking contributors from additional faith traditions who would like to help us expand this section. If you are interested, we would be grateful to partner with you.
Dependability strengthens Christian community through faithful service.
When we keep our commitments, others experience God’s love through our reliability. Dependability builds trust and unity.
Essay
Dependable God
by Dr. Roger Braun
“I will not forget you,” says the Lord, “see, I have engraved your names on the palms of my hands.” (Isaiah 49:15-16) Tattooing has become popular in the last twenty years. I have seen tattoos up the arms and legs, backs and stomachs of people. What I have never seen is a tattoo on the palm of the hand. Turn your hands palms up. Would you want needles and ink injected there among all those nerve endings? What would the pain feel like on the tip of your fingers? Yet in the verse above God is saying to Isaiah that it is impossible for God to forget or abandon people, for their names are forever before God. We believe in a dependable God.
When was the last time you depended on someone for help and they let you down? We have all experienced that, or we will in the future. It is inevitable, for we are all human and we let others down because of our lack of understanding. Not so with God. It is God’s nature to be dependable. God cannot be anything else. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart.” (Proverbs 3:5) “Great is your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:23) “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 64:1)
Hebrews 13:8 reads, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and tomorrow.” On Him you can depend. He is constant in keeping His promises, in sending help, in supplying grace and spiritual strength. By modeling dependable behavior, people of faith can reflect the compassion and faithfulness they believe about Jesus. And how can we become stronger in our trust in God’s dependability? The next time you are facing troubles and hardships and wonder if you are in this challenge all alone, remember what we are sometimes told: put your troubles in God’s hands. Since you reach up to God who will receive your request, God will reach down with His hands and those hands will have your name right in front of God’s eyes. After all, your name is engraved on His hands and is forever before Him.
We believe in a dependable God.
Affirmations for the Faithful
I keep my word because faithfulness reflects God’s character in me.
I make promises carefully, wanting my “yes” to mean yes and my “no” to mean no.
I admit my mistakes and work to make things right, trusting God to help me grow.
I do my part with a willing heart, serving others as if I’m serving the Lord.
I stay aware of my limits and seek God’s strength and guidance when I need help.
Dependability Resource Library
The Links below will take you to Resources, like activities, reflections, and visuals you can use personally or in your faith organization to encourage the Character Quality of Dependability.
Dependability Verses
Want to deepen your understanding of Dependability through Scripture? Explore our collection of Dependability Bible Verses for inspiration and reflection.
