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

Saturday, February 27, 2021

Merry Christmas!

We pray the Lord blesses you with the grace of Jesus' presence this Christmas!

 Read More
[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

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

Comments

Archived Facebook Comments

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Saturday, February 27, 2021

Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
Isaiah 41:13
"For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. "
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Proverbs 10:9
"The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Priscilla Shirer:
"We can see hope in the midst of hopelessness. We can see peace in the midst of chaos. We have a hope that the world does not have. We can see clearly that all....."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Jesus Is the Only Way!' (Acts 4:11-12)
"[Peter, addressing the council, continued,] "For Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures, where it says, 'The stone that you builders rejected..."

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.

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!