The question of whether Christians should say "I promise" is both nuanced and deeply rooted in biblical principles. To address it adequately, we must explore the scriptural teachings on honesty, integrity, and the significance of one's word. This exploration will help us understand the broader implications of making promises and the expectations placed upon Christians in their daily interactions.
The Bible places a high premium on truthfulness and integrity. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus addresses the issue of making oaths, which is closely related to the concept of making promises. He says in Matthew 5:33-37:
"Again, you have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform to the Lord what you have sworn.' But I say to you, Do not take an oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. And do not take an oath by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. Let what you say be simply 'Yes' or 'No'; anything more than this comes from evil."
In this passage, Jesus emphasizes the importance of straightforwardness and integrity in speech. He discourages the practice of making oaths or promises, suggesting that one's word should be sufficient. For Christians, this teaching underscores the principle that honesty and reliability should be inherent in every word spoken. When a Christian says "yes," it should be as binding and trustworthy as any formal promise.
James, the brother of Jesus, reiterates this teaching in his epistle. In James 5:12, he writes:
"But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your 'yes' be yes and your 'no' be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation."
James echoes the sentiment that Christians should avoid swearing oaths and instead focus on being truthful and dependable in their everyday speech. This consistency in the New Testament highlights the importance of integrity and the avoidance of unnecessary promises or oaths.
However, it is essential to consider the context in which Jesus and James were speaking. In their time, oaths were often used to manipulate or deceive. People would swear by various things to lend credibility to their words, but this practice could easily be abused. By instructing their followers to let their "yes" be "yes" and their "no" be "no," Jesus and James were advocating for a return to simple, honest communication.
In contemporary society, the phrase "I promise" is often used casually and without the weight of a formal oath. It can be a way of expressing commitment or assurance in everyday situations. For example, a parent might say to their child, "I promise we'll go to the park tomorrow," or a friend might say, "I promise I'll help you move this weekend." In these contexts, the intention is to convey sincerity and reliability.
From a non-denominational Christian perspective, the key is not necessarily the avoidance of the phrase "I promise," but rather the commitment to being truthful and dependable in all interactions. If a Christian chooses to say "I promise," it should be with the full intention of honoring that commitment. The focus should be on living out the principle of integrity that Jesus and James taught, ensuring that one's word is always trustworthy.
The broader biblical context also supports this approach. Throughout Scripture, we see the importance of keeping one's word and fulfilling commitments. In Numbers 30:2, it is written:
"If a man vows a vow to the Lord, or swears an oath to bind himself by a pledge, he shall not break his word. He shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth."
This verse highlights the seriousness of making vows or promises, particularly before God. It reinforces the idea that one's word should be binding and trustworthy. Similarly, in Ecclesiastes 5:4-5, we read:
"When you vow a vow to God, do not delay paying it, for he has no pleasure in fools. Pay what you vow. It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay."
These passages from the Old Testament emphasize the importance of fulfilling promises and the potential consequences of failing to do so. They align with the New Testament teachings on integrity and honesty, underscoring the consistent biblical theme that one's word should be reliable.
Christian literature and teachings also reflect this principle. In his book "Mere Christianity," C.S. Lewis discusses the importance of honesty and integrity in the Christian life. He writes:
"A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic—on a level with the man who says he is a poached egg—or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God: or else a madman or something worse."
While Lewis's point here is about the divinity of Jesus, it also touches on the importance of truthfulness and integrity. Jesus's teachings on honesty and straightforwardness are central to his moral teachings, and as followers of Christ, Christians are called to embody these principles in their lives.
In practical terms, this means that Christians should strive to be people of their word. Whether they choose to use the phrase "I promise" or not, the underlying commitment to truthfulness and reliability should be the same. If a Christian says "I promise," it should be with the full intention of keeping that promise, reflecting the integrity that Jesus taught.
In summary, the question of whether Christians should say "I promise" is ultimately about the broader biblical principles of honesty and integrity. Jesus and James both taught that Christians should avoid making oaths and instead focus on being truthful and reliable in all their speech. This teaching is consistent with the broader biblical emphasis on keeping one's word and fulfilling commitments. While the phrase "I promise" can be used in everyday contexts to convey sincerity and commitment, Christians should always ensure that their word is trustworthy, reflecting the integrity that Jesus called for in his followers.
