Promises have been part of Christian spirituality since Biblical times. Understand its meaning, how to perform it sincerely and why this act strengthens faith
make a promise – Godto virgin mary or to a saint – this is a gesture present in Brazilian popular religion and deeply rooted in Christian tradition. Long before it became a daily habit, vows made in moments of distress, supplication, and gratitude were already recorded in the Bible.
However, despite its popularity, many people do not know exactly how the promise works, what the church teaches about it, and how to fulfill it with spiritual responsibility. We will then understand the biblical origins of promises, their value in the Christian life, and how to make this gesture in a conscious and balanced way.
Promises have existed since Old Testament times.
This custom appears in several places in the Bible. when jacobis running away to mesopotamiaI prayed for divine protection and swore a vow to the Lord. “If God be with me (…) I will give you a tenth of everything you give me” (Genesis 28:20-22).
Another notable promise is dwarfmother of the prophets samuelPeople who were suffering from infertility. In his plea he declared: “If You give me a son, Lord of hosts, I will give him to the Lord all my life” (1 Samuel 1:11). These stories reveal a central truth. That is, the promise is not an exchange, a transaction, or an attempt to “convince God,” but a response of gratitude and trust.
It is a free commitment made in love and trust in exchange for grace, protection, or spiritual help. It can be as simple as lighting a candle, or it can be something more profound, such as a novena, a pilgrimage, or an act of charity.
Promises do not obligate God to do what we ask.
An important point in the Christian tradition is that no promise forces God to grant a wish. God always acts according to what is good for the believer, even if the believer does not understand it right away. Therefore, a promise is an act of dedication, not a condition for obtaining a miracle. They express faith, humility, and a desire to draw closer to God.
Biblical Wisdom: Don’t Promise What You Can’t Deliver
The Old Testament also conveys a very clear message. “It is far better not to promise than to make a promise and then keep it” (Ecclesiastes 5:4). In other words, a promise is a free action, but it must be done with truth, conscience, and consistency. In the New Testament, Jesus I don’t condemn that practice. And the fledgling church itself maintained the custom of oaths. For the first Christian communities, voting was an expression of dedication and love, never a burden.
spiritual purpose of promise
A promise is an act of trust. A person places himself before God, recognizes his weakness, asks for help, and resolves to live a more virtuous life. It is an act that brings believers closer to prayer, charity, and conversion, the three practices that Jesus recommends in the Gospels (Matthew 6,1-18). When a promise leads someone down this path, it becomes an instrument of grace.
Things to consider before committing
- Be clear about what you’re looking for.
- Choose something that you think you can actually accomplish.
- Create a prayer space in your home to stay connected.
- Share it with someone you trust (this strengthens your commitment).
- And above all, fulfill your vows not out of obligation, but out of gratitude and love.
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