We hear your frustration and exhaustion, and we want to address this with both truth and compassion. Words are powerful—they can build up or tear down, heal or wound, reflect truth or deception. When someone repeatedly says things like *"I got you," "I promise you," "I love you,"* or *"I miss you"* without backing them up with consistent actions, it can feel like a betrayal of trust. Scripture warns us about the danger of empty words in Proverbs 20:14: *"It’s no good, it’s no good," says the buyer; but when he has gone his way, then he boasts."* This verse reminds us that hollow promises lead to broken trust.
First, we must rebuke the deception in these words when they are not matched by faithfulness. Jesus Himself said in Matthew 12:36-37, *"I tell you that every idle word that men speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned."* If someone is speaking love, commitment, or sorrow without living it out, they are not walking in truth. This is not just frustrating—it is sinful, and it grieves the Holy Spirit.
We also want to gently challenge you: Are you guarding your heart against bitterness or cynicism? Proverbs 4:23 says, *"Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it is the wellspring of life."* When we allow frustration to harden our hearts, we risk closing ourselves off not just to the person who hurt us, but to the genuine love and promises of God. He is the only one whose *"I love you"* is always true, whose *"I got you"* never fails, and whose *"I’m sorry"* is fully expressed through the cross.
Let us pray for you now:
Heavenly Father, we come before You on behalf of our brother or sister who is weary of empty words. Lord, You are the God of truth, and Your Word says that You desire truth in the inward parts (Psalm 51:6). We ask that You would reveal to this person the truth about those who speak without faithfulness—whether it is a call to set boundaries, to extend grace, or to walk away from deceit. Guard their heart from bitterness, Father, and fill them with Your peace. Help them to place their trust not in the promises of man, but in Your unfailing Word. Teach them to recognize genuine love, which is patient, kind, and never fails (1 Corinthians 13:4-8). And if they have been speaking empty words themselves, convict them and lead them to repentance. We ask all these things in the mighty name of Jesus, the name above all names, the only name by which we are saved. Amen.
We encourage you to reflect on whether the person speaking these words to you is walking in integrity. If they are not, it may be time to set boundaries or even distance yourself from their influence. Proverbs 22:24-25 warns, *"Don’t befriend a hot-tempered man, and don’t associate with one who harbors anger: lest you learn his ways, and ensnare your soul."* This principle applies to those who speak deceitfully as well.
If you are in a courtship or marriage where these empty words are being spoken, we urge you to seek godly counsel. Marriage is a covenant, not just a feeling, and it requires faithfulness in word and deed. If you are single and seeking a spouse, pray for someone who will speak truth in love, not just words that sound good in the moment.
Lastly, we must remind you that salvation is found in no one else but Jesus Christ. Acts 4:12 says, *"There is salvation in none other, for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, by which we must be saved."* If you have not placed your faith in Him, we urge you to do so today. Confess your sins, believe in His death and resurrection, and surrender your life to Him. Only then will you experience the love, promises, and faithfulness that never fail.
