Don't make a vow using the name of the earth, because the earth belongs to God. Don't make a vow using the name of Jerusalem, because that is the city of the great King (God). And don't even say that your own head is proof that you will keep your vow. You cannot make one hair on your head become white or black. Say only 'yes' if you mean yes, and say only 'no' if you mean no. If you must say more than 'yes' or 'no,' it is from the Evil One (the devil). - Matthew 5:35-37 (ERV)
THOUGHT:
Don't break your word! In the Kingdom Family of God, the truth is insured by our integrity, not by something artificial outside us. We shouldn't have to swear to insure our word! But Jesus carries it one step further when he tells us: Don't swear on an oath to guarantee your word. Let the truthfulness of your speech be the standard mode in which you live, not something that has to reach out and grab for reliability in something external.
PRAYER:
Almighty and dependable God, I want to be a person of integrity. I want my words to be true. I want people to be able to trust my word when I give them my word. Please give me strength and courage to not exaggerate, lie, break my word, or stretch the truth. As your child, blessed by the many promises you have kept, I want to bless others by keeping my word. In Jesus' holy name I pray. Amen.
Related Scriptures:
My brothers and sisters, it is very important that you not use an oath when you make a promise. Don't use the name of heaven, earth, or anything else to prove what you say. When you mean yes, say only "yes." When you mean no, say only "no." Do this so that you will not be judged guilty. - James 5:12
Many people call a person"friend." But it is really hard to find a person that can really be trusted. - Proverbs 20:6
No! We will speak the truth with love. We will grow to be like Christ in every way. Christ is the head {and we are the body}. - Ephesians 4:15
