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In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and PRAISE YOUR FATHER in heaven. (Matt. 5:16)

Do you make God look good or easy to reject?
In speech
In behaviour when mistreated

Two “higher living” principles that reflect a righteousness that surpasses that of the Pharisees...

Do you mean what you say and say what you mean?

The protection of the trustworthiness of Christian speech

The protection of the community that relies on truthful speech

Do not swear at all. Let your yes be yes and your no, no! (cf. Jas. 5:12)

- Less sacred things are still the holy property of God (heaven, earth, Jerusalem)
- Humans cannot command sovereign things or enjoin the Holy to things outside of one’s control
- Trustworthy people need no guarantor to the veracity of their speech
- Abusing the invocation of a Divine Guarantor to be deceptive is nothing short of the devil’s work

Holy Spirit-filled citizens of the Kingdom of God are known for their trustworthy speech and the Heavenly Father is praised.

Do you handle personal abuse/mistreatment with jaw-dropping grace?

Social justice vs. Kingdom (Christian) magnanimity

Use evil intentions as a cause to starve self-idolatry...

- When dishonoured—do not fight for your honour
- When personal rights are violated—do not insist on your rights
- When you are exploited—be better than you have to be
- When you may be taken advantage of—give what will actually benefit another

Those in the Kingdom learn to deny themselves through a certain way of handling mistreatment that is intended to reveal Jesus Christ to their abusers and onlookers.

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