When you’re talking, say yes when you mean yes, no when you mean no. Anything more than that comes from the evil one. Matthew 5:37 (TKNT)
Truth Telling – Sermon on the Mount Series – Part 3
Go to PART 1 | PART 2 | PART 3 | PART 4 | PART 5 | PART 6 | PART 7 | PART 8 | PART 9 | PART 10 | PART 11 | PART 12 | PART 13 | PART 14
“Again, you heard that it was said to the people long ago: ‘You shall nor swear falsely, but you shall give to the Lord what you promised under oath.’ But I say to you: don’t swear at all! Don’t swear by heaven (it’s God’s throne!); don’t swear by the earth (it’s God’s footstool!); don’t swear by Jerusalem (it’s the city of the great king!); don’t swear by your head (you can’t make one hair of it turn white or black!). When you’re talking, say yes when you mean yes, no when you mean no. Anything more than that comes from the evil one.” Matthew 5:33-37 (N.T. Wright’s “The Kingdom New Testament Translation”).
PRACTICE: LET MY YES MEAN YES.
In a world of spin, half-truths and the abuse of faith to arouse fear and hatred, becoming a truth telling people is a revolutionary act. God longs for us to become cosmic whistleblowers who point to the truth of the Risen Crucified King.
Ironically, as disciples, we have no need for swearing on the Bible because our Lord commands us to be a people that are taken at our word. Dressing up our dishonesty in religious language doesn’t make our testimony more trustworthy.
In fact, Jesus says sanctimonious mendacity is from the devil.
The devil is a liar, and deceit and self-deception have no place in the kingdom. Instead, in all matters, out of our mouth should flow the intention of our heart, to be a truthful witness to Jesus, seasoned with grace. Our yes, should simply mean: yes.
How might you welcome God’s gracious liberation from half-truths and false speech?
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, You are God’s yes, the Truth, the true testimony to the Father. Let my speech and life be a truthful witness to you. Amen.
Contributed and Written by: Jarrod McKenna
Facebook.com/jarrodandmates
Twitter: @jarrodmckenna
Instagram: @jarrodmckenna
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