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Question

Will God forgive me for breaking a vow I made to Him?

breaking a vow
Answer


A vow is a personal resolution and a solemn commitment between a person and God. Many believers have wondered whether God will forgive them for breaking a vow. Thankfully, the Bible does not leave us in the dark. In Scripture, we find cautionary teachings about vows and assurance of God’s boundless mercy. By examining the nature of vows and God’s forgiveness, we can discover hope in the face of failure.

Vows should not be taken lightly. Ecclesiastes 5:4–5 warns, “When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow. It is better not to make a vow than to make one and not fulfill it.” Solomon emphasizes the seriousness of making a vow before God. If we make a promise, we should keep it.

Likewise, Numbers 30:2 speaks about the importance of not breaking a vow: “If a man vows a vow to the Lord, or swears an oath to bind himself by a pledge, he shall not break his word. He shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth” (ESV). God expects believers to be truthful and have integrity, especially when we vow to Him: “The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them” (Proverbs 11:3, ESV).

While we should not break a vow to God, the Bible acknowledges human weakness and frailty. Psalm 103:14 says, “He knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.” God, being aware of our imperfections, is understanding and forgiving when we break a vow made to Him.

Breaking a vow is serious business. However, no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace. There are many examples of people who failed but were restored by God’s everlasting love. For instance, Peter pledged Jesus his commitment: “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death” (Luke 22:33), yet he denied Christ three times that same night (Luke 22:54–62). In His mercy, Jesus forgave Peter and reinstated him to fellowship and service (John 21:15–19).

Forgiveness is central to God’s character. In 1 John 1:9, the apostle writes, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (ESV). In Christ, God forgives all sins, including breaking a vow made to Him.

Confession of sin means that we agree with God about the nature of our sin. Repentance after breaking a vow to God means we acknowledge the severity of that act and determine not to break vows in the future. Repentance is accompanied by heartfelt remorse: “My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.” God forgives us when we humble ourselves and repent.

God does not change. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Therefore, we can be assured of His forgiveness. Psalm 86:5 declares, “You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you.” Our sin, even when we break a vow made to Him, does not change His goodness and desire to forgive.

The Parable of the Prodigal Son vividly illustrates God’s forgiveness (Luke 15:11–32). Despite the younger son’s rebellion and horrible mistakes, the father welcomes him back with open arms. This parable symbolizes God’s readiness to restore everyone who turns to Him in repentance.

Breaking a vow is serious, but it is not an unforgivable sin. God forgives believers when we come to Him with a contrite heart. God’s love, grace, and mercy do not end. No failure, including breaking a vow, can separate us from God’s love in Christ (Romans 8:38–39).

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Will God forgive me for breaking a vow I made to Him?
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This page last updated: January 14, 2025