Law of God, November 24

Law of God, November 24

"Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform your oaths to the Lord.'
"But I say to you, do not swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is God's throne;
"nor by the earth, for it is His footstool; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King.
"Nor shall you swear by your head, because you cannot make one hair white or black.
"But let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No.' For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.

Matthew 5:33-37, www.solascriptura.com

Jesus, You have taught us that the same mouth should not praise You and curse men. We know that swearing an oath is a mistake unless we are certain we can unerringly perform that oath. But swearing has become a way of life in these times. We hear people say "By God, I will do such and such" (it pains me to even quote such persons). You teach us that this is an oath from an empty headed, hard hearted person in terms of their walk with You.

Father, having spoken such harsh words, I am embarrassed. Most people who swear oaths in that manner have no idea they are greatly offending our Holy Father. Help each of us to be gentle in our response, pointing the way by example, not by criticism.

Others say, "I swear by all that is Holy, I will get even, etc." You teach us here that we should not utter an oath (except to love You with all of our hearts, mind, soul and strength, since if we fail in that oath, we utterly fail). Help us today to simply not swear or to utter oaths when a simple yes or no will do. In Your Holy name we pray, amen.

Bruce Caldwell