We value people who keep their word to us. We appreciate those who are true to the promises that they make to us. The Lord also appreciates our efforts to be true to the promises we make to Him. In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells a parable about two sons. The first did not keep the promise he made to his father. He promised to work in the vineyard but did not. He was not a man of his word. The other son went in the opposite direction; he initially said no but then thought better of it and did what was asked of him. We probably appreciate that quality in people too; the capacity to reflect on an initial decision and to have a change of mind, a change of heart, for the better.
The Lord Keeps His Promises Despite Our Failures
The Lord appreciates that same quality in us, the openness to a change of mind and heart for the better. When the Lord calls and we say no, He does not take that initial refusal as definitive, but is ready to wait on our change of mind and heart. The Lord gives us time to think better of our initial response to Him. Having moved from a no to a yes, He looks to us to be faithful to our yes. He looks to us to keep our word, to allow our promise to Him to shape what we do and how we live.
Actions speak louder than words. Promises are actions that affirm our love and connection with others. Whether that connection is through friendships, family, or strangers, promises to affirm that we want to pass on our compassion to others.
Keeping Promises to Self and to Others
Fulfilling promises to yourself to do better or be better is just as important as following through on your promises to others. When you make a promise to yourself, you are taking the time to work towards improving your life. When we work on ourselves, it gives us the ability to better take care of others.
You might have heard the expression, “Don’t make promises you can’t keep.” While promises are especially important to our relationships, it’s also important not to make promises that are outside of your personal boundaries. If someone asks you to make a promise that makes you feel uncomfortable, stay true to yourself, and tell them that they are asking too much of you.
Promises are a vital part of building our relationships. When we follow through on our commitments with thoughtful actions, it only serves to strengthen our personal connections. Whether those connections be with friends, family, acquaintances, strangers or even yourself, making and fulfilling promises plays a vital role in each of our lives. Stay devoted to your promises and watch your life flourish!
