Good morning! Today’s verses remind me of a time in my childhood. A time, when all the neighborhood kids played outside, rode bikes, made secret passwords and laughed a lot as we played until it was time to go inside our homes. The one thing that stood out to me was ‘pinky swears’ (e.g., I swear on my life, on my mom, or I swear on my grandma’s grave) which was a form of declaring truth. Other times it was the famous crossing our fingers behind our back if we swore the truth, but didn’t tell the truth or didn’t plan to tell the truth, which was supposed to break us free from the swear. Let’s continue reading in Matthew 5.

BIBLE VERSE – Matthew 5:33-37 NLT

“³³“You have also heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not break your vows; you must carry out the vows you make to the Lord.’ ³⁴ But I say, do not make any vows! Do not say, ‘By heaven!’ because heaven is God’s throne. ³⁵ And do not say, ‘By the earth!’ because the earth is his footstool. And do not say, ‘By Jerusalem!’ for Jerusalem is the city of the great King. ³⁶ Do not even say, ‘By my head!’ for you can’t turn one hair white or black. ³⁷ Just say a simple, ‘Yes, I will,’ or ‘No, I won’t.’ Anything beyond this is from the evil one.“

REFLECTION

In the verses, Jesus was addressed oaths (Leviticus 19:12, Deuteronomy 23:21), and how individuals would say or swear by an oath and wouldn’t follow through. He was focused on the heart of man/woman, that our character and qualities should demonstrate truth. Let your yes, be yes and your no, be no. 

Will you say yes to following Christ?

PRAYER

Father God, thank you for today. Thank you for the love that you continue to show us each day. Lord, forgive us of our sins and help us to turn away from the things that cause us to sin. Lord, cover us as we seek your will for our lives. Lord, remind us to be more intentional when we speak the truth. Lord, help us to examine our hearts and be examples of godly character so that when we speak people will believe because we walk in truth, with integrity and a desire to please you. Lord, help us to be clear with our yes and no. Lord, equip us with your word and sustain us throughout the day.  Lord, we pray for those who are sick, for those in chronic pain and others who have some emotional pain. Lord, we ask for healing and release from pain. Lord, today, we say yes to following you. Continue to change us Lord. In Jesus name, amen.

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