Daily Bread

Oaths

³³ “Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not break your oath,^(A) but fulfill to the Lord the vows you have made.’^{(B) 34} But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all:^(C) either by heaven, for it is God’s throne;^{(D) 35} or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King.^{(E) 36} And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. ³⁷ All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’;^(F) anything beyond this comes from the evil one.^[a](G)

Eye for Eye

³⁸ “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’^{[b](H) 39} But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.^{(I) 40} And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. ⁴¹ If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. ⁴² Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.^(J)

Love for Enemies

⁴³ “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor^[c](K) and hate your enemy.’^{(L) 44} But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,^{(M) 45} that you may be children^(N) of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.^{(O) 46} If you love those who love you, what reward will you get?^(P) Are not even the tax collectors doing that? ⁴⁷ And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? ⁴⁸ Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.^(Q)