Matthew 5:31-32
"Furthermore it has been said, 'Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.' But I say to you that whoever divorces his wife for any reason except sexual immorality causes her to commit adultery..."
Matthew 5:37
"But let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No.' For whatever is more than these is from the evil one."
Jesus teaches that God takes marriage very seriously. Marriage is a sacred promise before God, and God's desire is for husbands and wives to be faithful to one another for life. In Jesus' day, some men would divorce their wives for small reasons, leaving the women without protection or support. Jesus stands against this and calls for faithfulness and commitment. He also teaches about honest speech. In that culture, people would make elaborate oaths to try to prove they were telling the truth. But Jesus says our words should be simple and honest. If we say "yes," we mean yes. If we say "no," we mean no. A follower of Jesus should be known as someone whose word can be trusted.
If you are married, ask God to help you strengthen your marriage. Show love and faithfulness to your spouse in practical ways—through kindness, patience, and keeping your promises. In all your conversations, practice being a person of honest, simple words. Let people know that when you say something, you mean it. Avoid gossip, exaggeration, and empty promises.
Why does God value faithfulness in marriage so highly?
What does it mean to let your "yes" be "yes" and your "no" be "no"?
In what areas of your life do you need to practice more honest speech?