“Say What You Mean…Mean What You Say”

​B I B L E  B I T S  &  B I T E S
Devotions for Families

Season: Jesus’ Sermon on the Mountain
Episode 4: “Say What You Mean…Mean What You Say”
Today’s Bible Bite: Matthew 5:33-37

Video Story:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sn35dl9DMCw (David Hill – Truth or Lies)

“Just say a simple, ‘Yes, I will,’ or ‘No, I won’t.’” (Matthew 5:37, NLT)

One of the things Jesus taught His followers was that they should be honest and should keep their promises. Other people shouldn’t have to wonder if they can trust us when we tell them something. It doesn’t matter who they are, we should respect others enough to be truthful with them or say nothing at all. People need to know they can count on us to be honest and follow through on the commitments we make.

Think about it...
• Jesus wants us to be honest. When can it be hard to be truthful?
• Sometimes we agree to things because we don’t want to hurt someone’s feelings. Which hurts more—to have someone tell us ‘no’ or for them to say ‘yes’ but not follow through?
• We all want people to respect us. Why is it disrespectful to lie to someone?
• Jesus wants us to be careful about the promises we make. What should we do when we break a promise?
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Prayer: Thank you, God, that you have told us how to live and that Jesus showed us how. Help me to be truthful with others. Help me to be careful about making commitments I can’t keep!
~ Pastor Jane