James 5:12

James 5:12
[12] But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your “yes” be yes and your “no” be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation.


Head: Why do you think it's important Christians to speak truth to people and be people of integrity?

Heart: When do you feel tempted to lie about something?

Hands: How can you start with intentionally speaking truth about little things, so that you're more able to do so with larger issues?


How much weight do your words hold? In other words, when you say "yes" or "no", or if you make a promise to someone, do they feel at ease with these words, or are they filled with doubt? Sometimes, in the past people have sworn on objects or people or other gods, to make a point that their words are true. Some have even sworn on God's name for their claims. All this is unnecessary and even dishonoring to God.

  • If you swear by God, then you are using God's name lightly for your own purposes (using God's name in vain), which dishonors Him.

  • If you swear by anything else, whether it be a person or a thing, you give it a higher place than it should have.

  • If you even have to swear by something, what does that mean about how much weight are behind your "normal" words, when you say "yes" or "no".

So just focus more on adding more and more integrity and dependability on your every day words, do everything you can to follow through on your promises (whether big or small). If you ever are not able to follow through on these things or if you are ever wrong about something you say, be the first to admit your wrong, apologize, and try to set things right.


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Devotional Guide:

1)
Pray for understanding in your mind, for trust in your heart, and for powerful obedience in your daily living.
2)
Read the passage and mark anything that blesses you, challenges you, or raises a question.
3)
Reflect on the passage. What's God saying about Himself? What's God saying about you?
4)
Pray in response to what God puts on your heart through the Word.