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Even When It Hurts

 "Who keeps an oath even when it hurts, and does not change their mind;" Psalms 15:4b

In Psalms 15, David essentially asks, "who can dwell with God?" and describes the character of a righteous man. The righteous list is overwhelming. I have fallen short on every point. I could never meet the criteria. Without the blood of Jesus Christ washing away the sin, I could never occupy a space in His presence. Under His mercy, I strive to understand and take action to become a servant who is a little more worthy today than yesterday. I dwell on the implications of David's words and apply my flawed understanding, praying for the grace to cover my ignorance and character in progress.

The second part of the 4th verse is especially salient. The statement does not violate Leviticus 5:4, which condemns thoughtless oaths, but considers the complete description of righteousness which compounds blamelessness, truthfulness, honesty, humbleness, generosity, and carefully considered speech. The passage declares that the righteous person's vow is never broken, even when it causes the righteous person harm.

What does it take to keep my word even when it hurts?

  • Slow to speak (James 1:19): When I feel rushed to make a decision, I stop and wait to respond. The simple act, or habit, if you will, of waiting allows God to speak, even if I am not listening. Sometimes our merciful God grabs my attention before I act foolishly, and sometimes, he doesn't. I must then deal with the consequences and pray for His mercy.
  • Careful consideration (Proverbs 24:32): I take the time to consider what others ask of me and what the commitment entails. I take the time to learn from what I see. Receiving the context is necessary for discernment, providing our Teacher with context to increase my understanding.
  • Fortitude (Judges 11:35): I accept the responsibility even when I am significantly disadvantaged. Changing circumstances may make the sacrifice more incredible than I anticipated. I metaphorically tear my clothes in anguish because I am weak. Knowing that I represent a righteous God who honors His promises without hesitation, I cannot waver.
  • When my promise leads to sin (Hebrews 10:26): When I hastily commit, I break that commitment if it leads to sin. Realizing I have broken an oath, even a sinful one, I humble myself to those I have committed who counted on me, accepting the consequences of my actions. Accepting a worldly punishment for breaking an oath honors the God we serve and the character we strive to emulate. Accepting the consequences also eliminates the possibility and perception of breaking promises under the guise of imagined sin to excuse my deception.
  • Accountability (Romans 14:12): I understand it is best never to make an oath (Ecclesiastes 5, Matthew 5, James 5). Upon contemplating those passages, I understand them to mean that an oath is superfluous for a righteous person. Their word is their oath. This realization demands higher levels of accountability. I have casually committed to go to someone's event or to meet their need, meaning "if it's convenient." Many times I follow through, but sometimes I let them know I can't make it. Is this a sin? I don't know, but it isn't in the character of the righteous.

When I fail, which is too often, I pray for mercy. Before I fail, I pray, "Jesus, help me be slow to speak. Help me carefully consider what is being asked of me and honestly evaluate my capabilities. When I commit, help me stay true and follow through even when others tell me it's okay to walk away. Please give me the foresight to know when my promises may take me away from you. When they do, humble me so that I may exemplify your mercy and your changing grace."

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