Mean What You Say

Good Morning!! Think before you speak,...don't give your word,...unless you're sure you can keep your word. "Let what you say be simply 'Yes' or 'No'," said Jesus. James gives the same admonition in almost the same words: "Let your 'yes' be yes and your 'no' be no" (5:12). Jesus and James are calling for the kind of community in which every person’s word would be simple and sufficient, true and transparent.

All you need to say is simply 'Yes' or 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.—Matthew 5:37 (NIV)

Seldom do we consider how important language is in creating human community, as when someone gives you a verbal guarantee, or when a politician promises to protect your interests over theirs, or when a bride and groom promise to love each other "till death do us part." When your language proves untrustworthy, however, then relationships become confused and chaotic, and community comes unglued.

Keeping you word, is a true sign of good character.

Sweet Spirit of God, with commitment and consistency, let our yes be yes, and our no be no. Allow our word to stand for something, as we give honor to You. Amen.

"We honor God best, when we call Him Father,...and live like His Son."