2 Corinthians - Chapter 1 - God’s promises are stronger than a pinky swear

Aug 20, 2026

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This devotional explores 2 Corinthians 1 through the imagery of a “pinky promise,” highlighting how human promises are meant to be binding while God’s promises are even more dependable. Paul’s assurance that God’s promises are “Yes” in Christ anchors the message, inviting readers to consider the abundance of promises throughout Scripture. The reading connects God’s promises to divine power for life and godliness, emphasizing that believers can claim what they need to fulfill God’s call. Daily reflection includes an action step and prayer focus on seeking the Holy Spirit’s empowerment.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryReligion & Spirituality

FormatPDF

Pages1

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

2 Corinthians 1: Promises in Christ

Pinky promises versus God’s assurance

How many promises God makes

Why God gives promises and how to respond

Week of July 29-August 4 PINKY PROMISE Scripture Reading: Read 2 Corinthians 1 Have you ever seen two school-aged friends make a “pinky promise”? A pinky promise (sometimes called a “pinky swear”) is when two people entwine their pinky fingers to signify that a promise has been made. Traditionally, the pinky promise or swear is considered binding and equivalent to a handshake for sealing a deal. The pinky promise originally indicated that the person who broke the promise would cut off his or her pinky finger as a consequence. Such a drastic measure is not followed through today but, nonetheless, the pinky promise is still intended to signify that the promise can’t (or shouldn’t) be broken or counteracted. While pinky promises may have their place, God has given us even greater assurance regarding his promises. Take a look at what Paul says in today’s chapter reading: “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ.” So, how many promises did God actually make? Years ago, David Wilkerson (Founder of Teen Challenge and author of The Cross and the Switchblade) produced a little book called, “The Jesus Person Pocket Promise Book” that included over 800 promises from the Word of God! Other folks claim to have found over 1,200 promises in the Bible. Regardless of the exact number, it’s pretty clear that God has made an enormous number of promises and all of them are "Yes" in Christ.” Why were such an amazing number of promises given? According to the apostle Peter (2 Peter 1:3-4), “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.” In other words, He has promised to provide for you all that you need to be what he has called you to be and to do what he has called you to do. And, just so you know: God didn’t even need to guarantee it with a pinky promise. He proved it instead with the death of His Son! Action Step & Prayer Focus: As you read through 2 Corinthians this week, be on the lookout for God’s promises. Ask the Holy Spirit to empower you to claim the promises you need so that you can be and do all that he has called you to in His kingdom. Take-a-way: God’s promises are stronger than a pinky swear!

FAQs

What does the devotional compare God’s promises to at the beginning?

It compares God’s promises to a “pinky promise,” an image of a binding commitment between people.

According to the devotional, what does Paul say about God’s promises in 2 Corinthians 1?

Paul states that no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ.

What action step and prayer focus does the devotional suggest?

As readers study 2 Corinthians, they should watch for God’s promises and ask the Holy Spirit to empower them to claim the promises they need to be and do God’s will.

Aug 20, 2026

Upload by Sage