Promises, Promises

There are many passages of scripture which remind us that God keeps his promises.

Although true, it is important that we keep our promises as well.

We must keep our promises to God.

Matthew 5:33 (NET) - “Again, you have heard that it was said to an older generation, ‘Do not break an oath, but fulfill your vows to the Lord.’

We must also keep our word when we make promises to others.

Numbers 20:2 (NET) - If a man makes a vow to the Lord or takes an oath of binding obligation on himself, he must not break his word, but must do whatever he has promised.

Probably the easiest promises to break begin with the words: “If there is anything that I can do…”

Such promises are easily made because we do not expect the other person to take us up on it.

If this is the case, it is better that we do not make the promise at all.

With the outbreak of COVID-19, friends I knew well began a new ministry,

I was in contact with one individual by email when it began.

I responded: “If there is anything that I can do…”

As communications continued, there was no mention of my offer to help.

Time went by as did the emails.

In time, I forgot about my offer.

Recently, I was contacted by another friend associated with this new ministry.

Early into our telephone conversation he expressed their need for assistance.

My words to my other friend echoed back to me: “If there is anything that I can do…”

The fact that the promise I made was to a different friend made no difference.

My promise was to that ministry.

That promise I will keep.

Matthew 5:37 (NET) - Let your word be ‘Yes, yes’ or ‘No, no.’ More than this is from the evil one.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, July 17, 2020.

I’ll be back here on Friday, July 24, 2020