What Jesus Did! 'Vows Not Needed!' — Matthew 5:33-34

Thursday, February 27, 2025

[Jesus continued:] "You have also heard that our ancestors were told, 'You must not break your vows; you must carry out the vows you make to the Lord.' But I say, do not make any vows! Do not say, 'By heaven!' because heaven is God's throne."
— Matthew 5:33-34 NLT

Key Thought

When we tell God or anyone that we will do something, he expects us to keep our word. It doesn't matter what the cultural view of truth and lying or reliability is, we are to be honest before God and with each other. In a way, it is ridiculous to try to live in any other way. After all, God knows our hearts, our intentions, and our actions. He will hold us to our word whether anyone else does or not! So let's make sure our word is genuine and that we don't need to pile up a bunch of other "flowery" language, vows, or expletives - even ones normally acceptable in our culture - to prop up our commitments. If we say we'll do it, then let's do it!

Today's Prayer

Father in heaven, please forgive me for the times I have not kept my word. Stir in me a passion for faithfulness and trustworthiness. Make me a person who can be counted on to follow through with what I say. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

3 Related Resources by Heartlight

Reliability!
Devo: What Jesus Did!
"[Jesus continued:] " But I say, do not make any vows! ... And do not say, 'By the earth!' because the earth is [God's] footstool. And do not say, 'By...."
To Tell the Truth
Article by Rubel Shelly
Does truth matter to us much these days? Rubel Shelly addresses the issues of honesty and integrity and the importance of telling the truth and the sin against each other and ourselves when we lie and do not tell the truth.
Going Deeper than the Old Commands
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Precious One, Today's message is very important because many in your religious world turn grace into an excuse to do whatever they want rather....."

Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 5:33-34 NLT — "You have also heard that our ancestors were told, 'You must not break your vows; you must carry out the vows you make to the Lord.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Thursday, February 27, 2025

A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'Animated by the Spirit'
"Dear Precious One, Live animated by the power of the Father's "indwelling presence," the Holy Spirit within you! Your flesh — "your fallen,..."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by John Owen:
"Then are we servants of God, then are we the disciples of Christ, when we do what is commanded us and because it is commanded us."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Proclaiming the Christ' (Acts 18:1-6)
"[After making a few converts while being ridiculed by some philosophers,] Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. There he became acquainted with a Jew..."
Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
Psalm 143:10
"Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!