More “yes” and “no”

In today’s Gospel (Mt. 5:33-37), our Lord warns us against swearing and ends with this simple bottom line: “Let your ‘Yes' mean ‘Yes,' and your ‘No' mean ‘No.'”

If men were not sometimes dishonest, there would be no need for oaths. That is why our Lord goes on to say that “Anything more (than ‘yes’ and ‘no’) is from the Evil One."

Does our “Yes” mean “Yes” and our “No” mean “No”?
Do we tell “white lies”?
Do we use hyperbole?
Do we over-promise?

The more careful and honest we are with our words, the more valuable they will be and the more effective for communicating to others the truth of Christ.