A long time ago, during my second year at university, I was not giving much thought to marriage. However, a lady very dear to me was deeply concerned about her own. It had troubled her for so long that during one of our conversations, when she visited me at school, she broke down in tears.
Overcome with emotion myself, I foolishly made a promise. I told her that I would not get married until she did. In fact, I went as far as saying that even if someone came into my life seeking my hand in marriage, I would wait for her to marry first. At that moment, I had no idea how weighty those words were.
Fast forward about seven years later, I had completely forgotten that promise and was preparing for my wedding. In the midst of the preparations, I received a call from her. She reminded me of my promise, and in that instant, guilt washed over me. I felt terrible. I pleaded for her forgiveness, but the weight of breaking my word lingered.
It was not until my parents in law, who are ministers and have witnessed many deliverance cases, counseled me that I truly understood the gravity of my actions. They led me to renounce that promise, explaining that such careless declarations could become a legal ground for the enemy.
Recently, I found myself in a similar situation again. During a conversation, I was desperately trying to prove my innocence against an accusation. In the heat of the moment, overwhelmed with emotion and tears, I swore repeatedly without a second thought.
But when I got home, the Holy Spirit convicted me. He reminded me of Jesus’ words: “Let your Yes be Yes and your No, No. Anything more comes from the evil one.” (Matthew 5:37). He gently showed me that I had no need to swear by anything, whether heaven or earth, to validate my truth. Matthew 5:34-37 says: “But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all, either by heaven, for it is God’s throne, or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. All you need to say is simply Yes or No; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.” James 5:12 also says: “Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. All you need to say is a simple Yes or No. Otherwise, you will be condemned.”
Through this, He taught me a simple but profound lesson. When speaking, no matter how passionate I feel, I must simply stand by the truth. If the listener believes me, they believe me. If they do not, they do not. My responsibility is to speak truthfully, not to convince at all costs. He also urged me to see my words the way a king regards his decrees, with honor and weight. A king does not need to swear to be believed. His word alone carries authority. Revelation 1:5-6 says that Jesus Christ has made us kings and priests unto God and His Father.
I am deeply grateful for God’s mercy. Imagine if He held us accountable for every careless word and broken promise. Many of us would be living in the painful consequences of our words. Yet, in His kindness, He gives us grace and wisdom to do better. In His mercy, He allows us to break free from unwise vows and walk in His divine plan.
Now, I realize how powerful our words are. What we say, even in the heat of emotion, can carry spiritual and real life consequences. Long after we have forgotten our vows and promises, their weight remains, silently demanding fulfillment.
As you read this, I pray that God brings to your remembrance any careless words or promises that need to be renounced. May you come to understand that your yes or no is enough, and may you walk in the freedom of truth, unburdened by unnecessary oaths.
If you have ever made a promise or given your word rashly, even with an oath, do not feel trapped. The fact that you are reading this message is a sign that God wants it addressed and resolved. It does not matter what promise you made in foolishness, nor does it matter what consequences were attached to it. God is mighty and able to deliver you. Simply ask for forgiveness and renounce it, trusting in His power to set you free. “You shall decree a thing and it shall be established for you” (Job 22:28).
God’s mercy is greater than any mistake. Renounce every careless vow and walk in the freedom Christ has given you. Romans 8:1 says: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”. 1 John 1:9 also says “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” .
