"Being Good for Your Word: A Biblical Perspective"

The virtue of integrity – staying true to our word, being consistent in character, and being honest in our dealings – is deeply rooted in the Christian faith. As believers, we are exhorted to demonstrate a high level of moral uprightness, and this includes being people of our words. The Bible, the fundamental guide for Christian living, places great emphasis on this subject. Let's explore what scripture tells us about being good for our word, supplemented by relevant devotions and references.

Being Good for Your Word: Biblical Exhortations

1. Keeping our Promises

First and foremost, God's word tells us to be people who keep our promises. Psalm 15:4 (NIV) states, "who despises a vile person but honors those who fear the LORD; who keeps an oath even when it hurts, and does not change their mind". The psalmist explains that those who honor God will keep their promises, even if it is to their detriment.

Devotion: Reflect today on the promises you've made, and ask for the Lord's strength to help you fulfill them. Even when it's difficult, remember that God honors those who keep their word.

2. Speaking Truthfully

Moreover, the Bible admonishes us to be truthful in our speech. Ephesians 4:25 (NIV) says, "Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body." Lying or deceit goes against the principle of being good for our word.

Devotion: Today, take a moment to consider if there have been times when you've been tempted to bend the truth. Ask God for the courage to speak honestly, remembering that we're called to love and respect our neighbors by speaking the truth.

3. Acting with Integrity

Lastly, our words should align with our actions, which is a core principle of integrity. As Jesus says in Matthew 5:37 (NIV), "All you need to say is simply 'Yes' or 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one". This verse tells us that our words should be clear, straightforward, and backed up by actions.

Devotion: Contemplate today on how your actions match your words. Are there areas where your 'Yes' and 'No' are not as clear-cut as they should be? Seek the Lord's guidance to live a life of integrity.

Being Like God: The Faithful Promise Keeper

Our motivation to be good for our word comes from the ultimate example of a promise keeper, our Heavenly Father. Numbers 23:19 (NIV) reminds us, "God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?" God is always true to His word, and as His children, we are called to reflect His character.

Devotion: Spend some time today thanking God for His faithfulness in keeping His promises. Ask Him to help you follow His example, becoming a person of your word, just as He is of His.

Conclusion

Being good for our word isn't just about personal morality or societal expectations; it's a reflection of our faith and our relationship with God. As we strive to keep our promises, speak truthfully, and act with integrity, we become better ambassadors of Christ, reflecting His faithfulness and love to the world.

As we conclude, let's meditate on this verse from 1 John 2:5-6 (NIV): "But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did." Let this be our prayer and our mission, to live as Jesus did, honoring our words and keeping our promises, for the glory of God.