Above All

James 5 cont’d:

But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath; but your yes is to be yes, and your no, no, so that you may not fall under judgment.

This verse comes right after the reminder of God’s mercy and compassion right through the middle of suffering and pain.

During times of suffering, we are prone to swear or lash out at God, much like Job did in the beginning of his time of loss.  We begin to question God’s goodness, waver in our faith, become unsure of our standing with God.

This kind of swearing mentioned in this verse is throwing contempt upon God’s name and authority. In other words, we become impatient in trials and we curse God’s ways and decide that perhaps living for God is all in vain.

This is dangerous. 

We must always submit to God’s authority and plans for our lives, because his ways are perfect, sure, and always have an intended outcome for good.  We may think the way we see is a good one, but God knows what’s down the road and we don’t.

Rest assured in your faith, what you say with your mouths, and what comes out of your heart. God is good.  He is faithful.  His love endures forever.  

And never falter in that truth.