Oaths and Revenge

Next in our study, Jesus talks about oaths and revenge.

Regarding oaths, or swearing by something, or making promises:

Matthew 5:33-37 NIV

[33] “Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not break your oath, but fulfill to the Lord the vows you have made.’ [34] But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; [35] or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. [36] And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. [37] All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.

Here Jesus tells us to have integrity. Be people others can count on. When you have integrity, then you can say simply "yes" or "no" when someone asks you to do something. You don't have to swear or make promises to people. Having integrity, people know you can be trusted to do what you say you will do. That's what He is saying here.

Next, Jesus talks about revenge. 

Matthew 5:38-42 NIV

[38]  “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ [39] But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. [40] And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. [41] If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. [42] Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.

This is another command where we "do not conform to the patterns of this world." Where we don't do what everyone else in the world does. We never return evil for evil, no matter what anyone else says or does. Paul clarifies this teaching in Romans 12.

Romans 12:17-19 NIV

[17] Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. [18] If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. [19] Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.

This totally goes against the patterns of this world, especially for men. This not saying to be a doormat or let people walk all over you. It is saying don't do to them what they did to you. "Overcome evil with good." That is what Jesus is teaching here.  Overcome evil with good and let God handle the rest. 

Love you all dear readers,

Jeffrey Post