How does Matthew 5:33 guide us in making and keeping promises today? Hearing Jesus On Oaths “Again, you have heard that it was said to the ancients, ‘Do not break an oath, but fulfill your vows to the Lord.’” (Matthew 5:33) The Old Testament Foundation He Echoes • Numbers 30:2—“If a man makes a vow to the LORD…he shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth.” • Deuteronomy 23:21-23—keeping a vow is commanded; breaking it is sin. • Leviticus 19:12—swearing falsely by God’s name profanes Him. Jesus’ Deeper Point • An oath is not a verbal loophole; it invites God as witness. • Truthfulness must mark every word, not just legally binding words. • Matthew 5:34-37 shows the ideal: plain, reliable speech—“Let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’” Guidelines For Making Promises Today • Speak only what you intend to do; pause and pray before committing. • Avoid exaggerated guarantees (“I swear on …”) that try to add weight to shaky intentions. • Let simple, honest words build a reputation that removes the need for sworn assurances. • Remember that every promise is made in God’s hearing, whether His name is invoked or not. Guidelines For Keeping Promises Today • Write down commitments; schedule reminders—faithfulness is often administrative. • Follow through quickly; “Do not withhold good from the needy when it is within your power to act” (Proverbs 3:27). • If circumstances change, communicate early, take responsibility, and seek a mutually honorable solution (Romans 12:17-18). • Treat vows—marriage, baptismal, membership, employment contracts—as covenantal, not optional (Malachi 2:14; Ecclesiastes 5:4-5). Motivations That Strengthen Integrity • God’s character: “God is not a man, that He should lie” (Numbers 23:19). • Our witness: truthful speech adorns the Gospel (Colossians 3:9-10). • Judgment seat reality: “Each of us will give an account of himself to God” (Romans 14:12). When We Fail • Confess immediately—first to God (1 John 1:9), then to the person wronged. • Make restitution where possible (Luke 19:8). • Learn from the lapse; build safeguards so it is not repeated. Everyday Areas To Practice • Family: promises to spouses, children, aging parents. • Work: deadlines, invoices, honoring hours paid. • Finances: loans, charitable pledges, taxes. • Church: volunteers, ministry schedules, giving commitments. • Conversation: casual “I’ll pray for you,” “I’ll call you,” “Let’s meet next week.” Summing Up Matthew 5:33 reminds us that words are sacred transactions before God. Promise sparingly, keep faithfully, speak truthfully. In doing so we mirror the unwavering fidelity of the One whose word never fails. |
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