Let Your 'Yes" be "Yes" and Your "No" be "No"!

Day 28 Matthew 5:34-37


34 But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; 35 or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. 36 And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. 37 All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.

Oaths were common in Jesus’ day. But Jesus told his followers not to use them. Their word should be enough. Also, to swear in God’s name, was using His name as an insurance policy. We see this often, even in my own life, when I say, “I swear to God on the Holy Bible”.  Essentially this is using the Lord’s name in vain, as if by saying this I am really telling the truth. It also reminds us that if we say we are going to do something, we need to follow through. I am sure we have people in our lives that never seem to follow through on what they say they will do.  Not only is it annoying, but causes us to be very wary of trusting them. Are you known as a person who keeps their word? If not ask for forgiveness, and vow to think and pray before you commit to something verbally.


Jesus, we are glad you always keep your word.  Your “yes” is “yes” and your “no” is “no”. Before we commit to something help us to commit it to you first in prayer. Amen.  

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