Let Your Yes Be Yes
Be encouraged by today’s Scripture reflection and prayer.
Today's Scripture
Matthew 5:37 (KJV)
“But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.”
Reflection
There are words I have said in a very well-meaning way, but taken lightly. You know those moments. “I’ll pray for you.” “I’ll be there.” “I’ll do this.” Sometimes spoken with great intention, and I hate to say, sometimes without. Maybe you too have done the same.
When I was growing up, the strongest way to prove you were not lying was to say you would swear to God. Looking back, what a foolish child I was to speak words like that without understanding their weight. Yet even in adulthood, I have found myself in similar moments. Not always with intent, but sometimes when asked to swear or confirm something, especially under pressure. I did not always understand the seriousness of what I was agreeing to. Life lesson number two, learned slowly.
Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:37 bring clarity and correction without harshness. He reminds us that our words should be simple and truthful, not reinforced by vows or promises meant to convince others. God is not impressed by strong language. He values honesty that flows naturally from the heart.
Sometimes we make promises because we feel pressured. Sometimes it is fear. Sometimes it is people pleasing. And sometimes it is simply not wanting to disappoint. But Jesus invites us into a better way. A way where our yes is trustworthy because it is sincere, and our no is honest because it is spoken with integrity.
When our hearts are shaped by Christ, our words no longer need exaggeration or reinforcement. They rest in truth.
Today's Prayer
Lord, You are truth itself. Your words are faithful, steady, and sure. I come before You with humility, aware that I have not always treated my words with the weight they deserve. Search my heart and shape it by Your truth. Teach me to speak with sincerity, wisdom, and grace. Let my yes be honest and my no be faithful. May my words reflect a heart that is learning to walk closely with You. Thank You for Your patience with me as You continue to teach and refine me. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Before You Go
Jesus taught that truth does not need to be reinforced with promises or oaths. A simple yes or no spoken from an honest heart is enough. Take a quiet moment today to reflect. Consider the words you speak, the commitments you make, and the reasons behind them. Are they shaped by sincerity or by pressure, fear, or the desire to please others?
As you walk with Christ, allow Him to align your heart and your speech. When your words are shaped by His truth, they become trustworthy, peaceful, and honoring to God. Let this be a gentle invitation to speak less, mean more, and rest in the grace of the One who is always faithful.
When Our Words Reflect Our Faith
Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:37 remind us that integrity begins with what we say and how we say it. A simple, honest “yes” or “no” reflects a heart submitted to God and a life shaped by truth. If today’s devotional caused you to pause and reflect on your words, these devotionals and posts can help you continue growing in faith-filled speech.
Learning to surrender our speech to God
This devotional invites us to bring our words under the Lord’s authority, allowing Him to shape what comes out of our mouths.
👉 Surrendering the tongue
https://exhortationsfortoday.com/surrendering-the-tongue/
Understanding the power of our words
Scripture reminds us that life and death are in the power of the tongue. This post explores how our words influence our faith, our relationships, and our witness.
👉 Power in the tongue
https://exhortationsfortoday.com/power-in-the-tongue/
Choosing biblical encouragement over empty words
In a world filled with noise, opinions, and quick encouragement online, this post helps us discern the difference between biblical truth and shallow affirmation.
👉 Biblical encouragement vs social media
https://exhortationsfortoday.com/biblical-encouragement-vs-social-media/
