Keeping Our Promises Builds Trust

If promises to God should not be taken lightly, the same can be said about those we make to fellow Christians. We should not treat Jehovah one way and our brothers another way. (Compare 1 John 4:20) In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said:  "Just let your word Yes, mean yes,your No, no." (Matthew 5:37)  Making sure that our word is always trustworthy is one way to 'work what is good toward those related to us in the faith.' (Galatians 6:10) Every promise we keep builds trust.

The damage done by breaking a promise is often magnified when money is involved. Whether paying back a loan, performing a service, or fulfilling a commercial agreement, a Christian should honor his word. This pleases God and cements  the mutual trust that is so essential if brothers are to "dwell together in unity." -Psalm 133:1. 

Failure to abide by agreements, however,can harm the congregation as well as the individuals directly involved. A traveling overseer observes:  "Business disputes-invariably cause by agreements that at least one party  considers dishonored-often become public knowledge. As a result, brothers take sides, and the atmosphere in the Kingdom Hall may become tense."  How important it is to consider carefully whatever agreement we make and put the matter in writing!"  

Caution should also be exercised when selling costly products or recommending investments, especially if we personally profit from the transaction. Likewise, there is a need to be very careful not to exaggerate the benefits of certain articles or health  products or to promise unrealistic returns on investments. Love should move Christian to explain fully any risks involved.  (Romans 12:10) Since most brothers have limited business experience, they may trust our advice simply because we are related to them in the faith. How tragic it would be if this trust were undermined? 

Next time: Conclusion of Keeping Our Promises Builds Trust

From the Watchtower magazine, 1999