Lesson 8. Oaths. The “Foundations of the Teachings of Christ” School. A series on the foundational teachings that Jesus Christ taught His disciples on the mountain.
Matthew 5:33–36 You have also heard that it was said to those of old, “You shall not break your oaths, but shall fulfill 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. Matthew 5:37 But let your “Yes” be “Yes,” and your “No,” “No”; for whatever is more than these is from the evil one.
- break—violate
Ideally, a person should never need to support the truthfulness of their words with oaths or guarantees. A Christian should be so honest and truthful that people believe them based solely on their word, without any oath.
How, then, will people believe us?
… But I say to you, do not swear at all…
… But let your “Yes” be “Yes,” and your “No,” “No”…
People will believe you if you always tell the truth and fulfill what you have promised. You do not need to swear; you need to be truthful. Every Christian should watch their words so that they remain firm in what they say.
If we learn to speak the truth and only the truth, people will believe us based on our “yes” or “no,” and we will not need to add or confirm anything else. This is what Jesus teaches us.
End of lesson.
Source: Father’s Blessing Church
Teacher: Dmitriy Leo
