Vietnam Evangelical Covenant Church – Sometimes simply saying “Yes” or “No” becomes very hard for us. Why? Perhaps because we like to keep our thoughts vague through our words. Or perhaps it helps us put off a difficult decision. Could it be that we are being drawn into a habit of deception, not wanting others to know what we really think?
Our words reflect our hearts. Jesus taught that we should simply let your yes be yes and your no be no, without needing oaths to make others believe us. This article helps us reflect on honesty in our everyday speech. Scripture quotations are from the Berean Standard Bible (BSB).
Whatever the reason, God wants His people to use their words clearly. We should not add to the darkness with deceptive words. Instead, we must speak plainly and truthfully, so that we are not condemned by our own words.
“Above all, my brothers, do not swear—not by heaven or earth or by any other oath. Simply let your “Yes” be yes, and your “No,” no, so that you will not fall under judgment.” (James 5:12)
Do Not Swear
Swearing here does not refer to vulgar language, although Scripture clearly condemns coarse talk, especially among believers. It refers to oaths or promises made to others. Why would Christians need to swear oaths if we live upright lives?
Perhaps taking an oath is a way for someone to prove themselves to others, because in the past they have lied and people find it hard to trust them. If that person wants to end this pattern, there is only one way: begin living truthfully. They need to confess their past wrongs and seek forgiveness. Especially for a Christian, they need to recognize that they are a new creation in Jesus Christ and are no longer bound by past mistakes.
Simply Say “Yes” or “No”
Among the Jews of Jesus’ day, it was common to swear by heaven or earth, avoiding swearing by God’s name. They mostly did this as a loophole when they failed to keep the oath. They believed they would not be judged if the oath was not made in God’s name.
But Jesus condemned this practice:
“Again, you have heard that it was said to the ancients, ‘Do not break your oath, but fulfill your vows to the Lord.’ But I tell you not to swear 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. Nor should you swear by your head, for you cannot make a single hair white or black. Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ Anything more comes from the evil one.” (Matthew 5:33–37)
Jesus tells us we have no right to make such oaths. God is displeased when we do not keep our word, whether we swore by heaven or not. The best way to avoid this is simply to say yes or no to what we will or will not do.
Avoiding Judgment
Do you think God cares about our promises? Of course He does! Because we are children of the kingdom, we are ambassadors for that kingdom through our words and actions. Jesus said:
“But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” (Matthew 12:36–37)
When we consider that one day we will give an account before God for every broken promise, doesn’t speaking truthfully become easier? When we speak the truth in love, our righteous actions become powerful evidence for those who belong to Christ. Our Lord is honored when His people keep their word.
Yes and Amen in Christ
The apostle Paul wrote about how people in the world use their words: the same person says “Yes” one moment and “No” the next (2 Corinthians 1:17). We see this in those who live in darkness, and we lose trust in what we see. But there is hope for us in Christ, who is faithful, unlike us. Scripture says:
“For all the promises of God are “Yes” in Christ. And so through Him, our “Amen” is spoken to the glory of God.” (2 Corinthians 1:20)
Because we have the hope of “Yes and Amen” in Christ, let us be His witnesses, saying what we mean and doing what we say through our lives. When people look at a Christian’s life, they will see God’s faithfulness in that person. You and I, let us start today with a simple “Yes” or “No” in answering others, without needing to make any promises.
Keeping Our Words Honest Every Day
Honest words build trust in the family, at work and in the church. When we keep our word in small things, others will trust us in big things, and more importantly, God’s name is honored through our lives.
This week, notice the times you say “yes” when your heart wants to say “no,” or promise something you are not sure you can do. Ask God to help you speak the truth in love.
You may also like: 5 Ways to Cope When You Feel Unappreciated and Facing Temptation: 6 Things Every Christian Should Know.
Prayer
Lord, set a guard over our mouths. Let our words always be honest, simple and gracious, so that others see Jesus in how we speak and keep our word. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Article: Communications Ministry – Vietnam Evangelical Covenant Church
Adapted from: WhatChristiansWantToKnow.com
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