Do not swear
Jesus calls us to be people of truth, where our words alone hold weight without the need for swearing or elaborate assurances. Swearing falsely follows the law of diminishing returns—initially, an oath may seem convincing, but once broken, trust begins to erode. People might offer a few more chances, yet eventually, no amount of swearing can restore credibility. When trust is lost, even truthful words fall on deaf ears. In contrast, those who consistently speak truth earn respect, and others believe them without hesitation.
We live in a world where falsehood has seeped into nearly every aspect of life. Corruption surfaces in news reports, deceptive products flood the market, advertisements exaggerate, and infidelity wounds families. Everywhere we turn, trust is being compromised. Yet, how rare and precious is the person whose word is reliable! In religious life, vows are made with solemnity, priests commit themselves with sacred promises, politicians take oaths in courts of law, and all Christians renew their baptismal promises. Yet, experience reminds us how often these commitments falter. We have all felt the sting of betrayal, recalling moments of deep hurt when deception shattered our trust. Likewise, there have been painful instances when others lost faith in us due to our own shortcomings.
As followers of Christ, we are called to live as ambassadors of truth. Our words should carry integrity, and our actions should align with them. Without needing to swear, our simple "yes" and "no" should be enough. This requires a conscious effort to reflect on whether our words inspire trust and whether our commitments remain steadfast. Integrity is built not just in grand moments but in the everyday choices we make—honesty in business dealings, reliability in relationships, and faithfulness in personal promises. In a world where truth is often compromised, being unwavering in honesty is a powerful testimony.
If trust has been broken, there is always hope for restoration. Seeking forgiveness with humility and consistently living truthfully can mend relationships and rebuild credibility
