Pope Shenouda III speaks in this lecture about the commandment of the Lord Christ concerning not swearing, explaining that the name of God must be used with all reverence, love, and respect, and not in ordinary speech, threats, or joking. He explains that the problem is not only false swearing, but also treating the name of God lightly and using it without reverence.

Pope Shenouda III confirms that the name of the Lord is a holy and great name, full of power and blessing, and that demons trembled from it when it was mentioned with faith. Therefore, the name of God should be mentioned in prayer, praise, and love, and not in habit or carelessness.

He also explains that the Lord Christ transferred man from merely literal commitment to the commandment into spiritual depth, calling man to make his speech truthful without the need for swearing. Therefore, He said: “Let your words be yes, yes; no, no.”

Then he moves to explain the commandment “Do not resist evil,” clarifying that Christianity calls man to endure insult and not repay evil with evil, because love does not seek what is for itself, but rather endures, is patient, and forgives.

He also explains that a person should not be occupied with taking his earthly rights, but should leave the matter to God, because God preserves the rights of His children. The true believer cares about the purity of his heart and his inner peace more than his victory in temporal matters.

He also clarifies that forgiveness and love are more important than attachment to material things, and that a person should not lose his love and relationship with others because of material matters or temporary dignity.

The lecture confirms that mercy and forgiveness are the spiritual path that leads to the Kingdom, and that the believer is called to overcome evil with goodness and treat everyone with love whether they are near or strangers.

At the conclusion of the teaching, Pope Shenouda III emphasizes that Christian life is built on truthfulness, love, respect for the name of God, and enduring others with a wide heart filled with peace and gentleness.

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