What is one thing you can give away and still keep? Sounds like a riddle, but the answer is from an old quote of unknown origin – your word! In current times, it’s increasingly rare to find someone who keeps his word. It has become the exception, not the norm.

Whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected.

I John 2:5

Now consider some of the Bible’s greatest stories. What if the Israelite spies hadn’t kept their word to save Rahab and her family? Imagine if Boaz hadn’t kept his word to become Ruth’s kinsman-redeemer. What if Joseph hadn’t kept his word to take Mary to become his wife? God is the ultimate keeper of His word. John shares in today’s verse how keeping your word shows others how God’s love is in you.

“I swear…” can easily roll off the tongue, but do you truly appreciate what it means? Take notice of when you make promises. If others can’t trust your word is true, how will they believe when you share your faith in God? Ask the Lord to give you the integrity to keep your word. Then pray for that same integrity for your nation’s leaders.

Recommended Reading: Matthew 5:33-37