“Let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes’, and your ‘No’ be ‘No’,” says Jesus when teaching about oaths in Matthew 5, reminding his followers to be people of integrity and sincerity, particularly in what they say or promise or commit to. In this week’s passage Paul is having to defend his own integrity and sincerity before Corinthian accusations. It is a reminder to us of the importance of these characteristics, but more important is the reminder of what they’re based on. Integrity and sincerity is important because it’s based on the gospel of God’s faithfulness, conscience that’s shaped by faith, and mercy & love that we have for others. All our commitments, big or small, come under the light of God’s commitment to us and our commitment to him.
