We regularly hear promises made that are never kept.
“If elected, I will do this or that.” “We stand by our merchandise.” “I will help you do it.” “I am going to get my life in order.” “Till death do us part.” “I will pay you back.” “I am going to get my family back in church.”
Broken promises seem common place to the point that we often expect them. Though we may be disappointed, we are not surprised when it happens. But are you guilty of it? Is it really a big deal?
Yes, it is. God deals with the issue over and over in the Bible.
Leviticus 19:12 states: “Do not swear falsely by my name, profaning the name of your God; I am the Lord.”
Numbers 30:2 states: “When a man makes a vow to the LORD or swears an oath to put himself under an obligation, he must not break his word; he must do whatever he has promised.”
Deuteronomy 23:23 states: “Be careful to do whatever comes from your lips, because you have freely vowed what you promised to the LORD your God.”
Matthew 5:37 states: “Let your ‘yes’ mean ‘yes,’ and your ‘no’ mean ‘no.’ Anything more than this is from the evil one.”
James 5:12 states: “Above all, my brothers ad sisters, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath. But let your ‘yes’ mean ‘yes,’ and your ‘no’ mean ‘no,’ so that you won’t fall under judgment.”
Those are but a few of the examples found throughout the Bible. God is trustworthy. He keeps his word, and he expects us to do the same.
I do no believe that any of us want to have a promise broken towards us. It causes us to not trust the offender. It causes us to hold onto a bit of anger. It causes us to doubt others.
Though we know the hurtful experience of having a promise broken to us, do we honestly think about it when we break promises? Do we realize that others now see us like we see them? Do we care that it affects our character?
My friends, let your “yes” be “yes.” Let your “no” be “no.” It may not be easy, but it is right. It will strengthen relationships. It will honor God.
And would it not be nice?
Yes, You better speak truth that hurts and then heals, than falsehood that comforts and then kills. GOD IS TRUTH.
Your friend- His servant,
Isaac Otieno