“And she said unto him, My father, if thou hast opened thy mouth unto the LORD, do to me according to that which hath proceeded out of thy mouth; forasmuch as the LORD hath taken vengeance for thee of thine enemies, even of the children of Ammon.”
Judges 11:36
Spiritual commitments are weighty matters because they require us to be serious with our vows to God and humanity. Judges 11: 36 is striking because it shows Jephthah’s daughter willingly embracing the cost of her father’s vow.
In a modern sense, it reminds us that integrity often requires sacrifice—not just from us, but sometimes from those around us who share in the weight of our commitments.
Keeping our word isn’t always convenient. It may mean letting go of personal comfort, delaying dreams, or standing firm when compromise would be easier. Yet, when we honour our promises, we demonstrate faithfulness not only to people but to God. That kind of integrity inspires trust and leaves a legacy of courage.
Charge: What promises have you made to God, to others, or even to yourself that require you to stand firm, even when it costs you something? Living with that kind of faithfulness may not always be easy, but it shines as a testimony of strength and devotion in a world where broken promises are common.
Further Study: Genesis 22:9-12; Numbers 30:2; Deuteronomy 23:21-23; Psalm 76:11; Ecclesiastes 5:4-6; Malachi 1:14; Matthew 12:36-37; Romans 12:1; 1 Peter 1:15-16.
