MONDAY

Matthew 5:33-37

“Cross my heart and hope to die,” or “I promise on a stack of Bibles,” or . . . you get the idea. How many times did you hear, or maybe even say, things like that growing up? If you were to visit a courtroom today, you might very well see people being sworn in before they give testimony. How many times have you seen political figures balk at being put under oath, the clear implication being that up until that point, it is somehow acceptable for them to say things that are not true? Apparently, it was not only the family of Jacob that was “challenged” in terms of integrity and honesty! What does it say about us, if it becomes necessary to put someone under oath in order to raise the likelihood of them actually telling the truth? The realization that this is an old problem does not make it any less tragic or disappointing. And so in today’s passage, where Jesus is talking about what loving God and loving people looks like, one of the areas he expands on is that of speaking with integrity. He reminds us that others should be able to count on what we say. If we have to make a promise or take an oath in order for others to know that our words are reliable or to back up what we say, then, Jesus suggests, something has already gone awry. As you take a few moments to reflect on Jesus’ words in today’s passage and how they speak to us, consider the following:

• What is usually implied in the impulse to ask someone, “Promise?”

• Can you think of people you know whose words you would never doubt? How about people whose promises you would be reluctant to trust? What makes the difference?

• As you reflect on the way you communicate with others, how likely do you think it is that they would be confident about what you say? Why?

• What are some of the things that might make it challenging at times to speak with the kind of integrity that Jesus is talking about here?

• What in this passage do you identify with, or what resonates with you in some way? Why?

• In what ways do you find this passage affirming, challenging, insightful, or something else?

Take a few moments to share with God what stirs in you as you reflect on Jesus’ words here.