What Jesus Did! 'Truthfulness!' — Matthew 5:33-34

Monday, February 27, 2017

"You have heard that it was said to our people long ago, 'When you make a vow (promise), don't break that promise. Keep the vows (promises) that you make to the Lord.' But I tell you, never make a vow. Don't make a vow using the name of heaven, because heaven is God's throne."
— Matthew 5:33-34 NLT
Illustration of Matthew 5:33-34 NLT — "You have heard that it was said to our people long ago, 'When you make a vow (promise), don't break that promise."

Key Thought

When we promise God something, he expects us to keep our word. It doesn't matter what the cultural view of truth and lying 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 heart, our intentions, and our actions. He will hold us to our promises 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 or culturally appropriate expletives 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 upon to follow through with what I say. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Ecclesiastes 5:4-5
  • Deuteronomy 23:21-23
  • Proverbs 12:22

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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.

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.

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