Today’s Devotional: “Keep Your Word”

Do circumstances determine whether we keep our promises? If circumstances change, can we break our word? Or if someone breaches their end of the deal, does that mean we don’t have to fulfill ours?

“This I say, that the law, which was four hundred and thirty years later, cannot annul the covenant that was confirmed before by God in Christ, that it should make the promise of no effect.” (Galatians 3:17)

This discusses God’s promise to Abraham before the law was established, highlighting that faith and trust in God and His promises surpass the law (Galatians 3:3-6).

But I see God making this more personal to our lives by saying that just because circumstances change, it doesn’t mean we can go back on our word.

People say that because someone didn’t hold up their end of the bargain, they don’t have to hold up theirs.

After my parents passed away, some people said I no longer had to keep the promise I made to them. But I never broke my promise because my word is my bond, and I made it not only to my parents but also before God.

“You shall be careful to do what has passed your lips, for you have voluntarily vowed to the Lord your God what you have promised with your mouth.” (Deuteronomy 23:23)

I kept my word even though they were no longer alive to see it, and in the end, God honored that decision because God honors those who honor Him.

The Bible says, “If a man makes a vow to the Lord, or swears an oath to bind himself by some agreement, he shall not break his word; he shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth.” (Numbers 30:2)

Notice that nothing is said about whether things change.

“Better not to vow than to vow and not pay.” (Ecclesiastes 5:5)