This morning, I’ve been reflecting on that second truth from Monday’s list on challenges we face in relationships, the truth that faithfulness matters more than the fruitfulness that we get to see as a result of our faithfulness in these times of complicated relationships.

There are seasons in life when we pour ourselves into the lives of others – offering encouragement, truth, and love – and yet we see no change. We pray. We speak life. We try to lead people away from destructive paths and toward Jesus, but it feels like nothing is working.

That’s when doubt (or the enemy) begins to whisper, “Is any of this even making a difference?”

In 1 Corinthians 15:58 we read, “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” Read that again. Paul is reminding us that our labor in the Lord is never in vain. God does not measure our work by visible results alone. He measures it by faithfulness.

God calls us to plant seeds, not necessarily to see the harvest. When we love people well, speak truth with grace, and remain steadfast, even when things are hard or discouraging, we are living faithfully. And faithfulness is what God honors.

You may not see the fruit of your prayers or your influence in someone’s life now (or even in your lifetime), but God sees. God sees every moment you choose patience instead of frustration. He hears every word you speak in love instead of judgment. He notices when you show up and keep showing up, even when it’s thankless and unseen.

Fruitfulness belongs to God. But faithfulness… that’s our part. And God delights in it. So where in your life are you tempted to give up because you aren’t seeing results? And how might God be calling you to remain faithful in that place today?