Stop Swearing

“Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not break your oath, but fulfill to the Lord the vows you have made.’ But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.” 
Matthew 5:33-37 (NIV)

Did you know that this verse tells you how to live freely and lightly? 

According to statistics, most of us lie 1-2 times a day. But your God loves truth and He wants to lead you to be a person of truth. 

In Matthew chapter five, Jesus makes it clear that becoming a person of truth impacts the words you say. In fact, when you are reliable and trustworthy with your words, a simple “yes” or “no” is as strong as an oath. 

He says that not only should you not break a promise, but you don’t even need to make a promise because yes and no are enough. If you are a person who tells the truth, you don’t have to invoke God’s name or any other name to prove you are telling the truth. 

Each one of us knows what it feels like to lie. You lie about your profession, income taxes, marital status, golf scores, grades, health, schedules, education, work experience, or finances. But Jesus says you can be a person whose words are credible and reliable. 

And when you put Jesus’ words into practice, you live simply and clearly by saying “yes” and “no.” These words are enough. And you can experience the freedom of living in the truth. 

Can you think of a higher compliment than someone saying about you, “If he says it, he’ll do it.” “She’s completely reliable and trustworthy.” When you speak truthfully, you never have to wrestle with your conscience or look over your shoulder.

Your words can always be true. Pay attention when you are about to qualify your yes or no. Keep it simple instead. As you speak truthfully, trusting God’s Word and His Ways, He will help you live freely and lightly. 

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for the power of Your Word. It is completely trustworthy because You always do what you say. Teach me Your ways. Guide me on the path of simplicity and clarity so that my “yes” and “no” are always reliable. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.