The lecture speaks about the commandment of the Lord Christ concerning not swearing, and explains that the name of God is a holy and great name that should be mentioned with all reverence, love, and awe, and not in ordinary speech, joking, anger, or threats. Pope Shenouda III confirms that the believing person should feel the power and blessing of the name of God when pronouncing it with faith and piety.
Swearing and Its Relation to Spiritual Life
The lecture explains that the Old Testament forbade false swearing, but the Lord Christ raised man to a higher level, which is not swearing at all, neither by the name of God nor by anything holy or human. The true believer is truthful in his speech, and it is enough for him to say “yes” or “no” without many affirmations or repeated oaths.
The Power of the Name of the Lord
The lecture explains that the name of the Lord carries power, blessing, and spiritual work, and that the saints used it in prayer, praise, healing, and casting out demons. Therefore, it is not fitting to use it carelessly or in vain matters, because according to a person’s heart and faith, he either receives the power of the divine name or loses its blessing.
Not Resisting Evil with Evil
The teaching then moves to the commandment “Do not resist evil,” explaining that the Lord Christ calls man to endure offense and not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. Christian love does not seek what is for itself, but rather endures, is patient, and leaves judgment to God.
Endurance and Broadness of Heart
The lecture confirms that Christianity calls for broadness of heart and endurance of others, and not strong attachment to material things or earthly rights. The spiritual person preserves the peace of his heart and his relationship with people more than his attachment to material things or avenging himself.
Mercy and Giving
The lecture also calls for mercy, giving, helping the needy, and not hardening the heart toward the poor or suffering person. Practical love and giving are signs of life with God, and the merciful person receives mercy and blessing from the Lord.
The General Spiritual Message
The basic message of the lecture is that Christianity is not merely a literal execution of commandments, but a heartfelt life filled with love, meekness, and respect toward God and people, with trust that God preserves the rights of His children and leads them to inner peace and the eternal kingdom.
“For better translation support, please contact the center.”
The Sermon on the Mount – Do not swear at all
The lecture speaks about the commandment of the Lord Christ concerning not swearing, and explains that the name of God is a holy and great name that should be mentioned with all reverence, love, and awe, and not in ordinary speech, joking, anger, or threats. Pope Shenouda III confirms that the believing person should feel the power and blessing of the name of God when pronouncing it with faith and piety.
Swearing and Its Relation to Spiritual Life
The lecture explains that the Old Testament forbade false swearing, but the Lord Christ raised man to a higher level, which is not swearing at all, neither by the name of God nor by anything holy or human. The true believer is truthful in his speech, and it is enough for him to say “yes” or “no” without many affirmations or repeated oaths.
The Power of the Name of the Lord
The lecture explains that the name of the Lord carries power, blessing, and spiritual work, and that the saints used it in prayer, praise, healing, and casting out demons. Therefore, it is not fitting to use it carelessly or in vain matters, because according to a person’s heart and faith, he either receives the power of the divine name or loses its blessing.
Not Resisting Evil with Evil
The teaching then moves to the commandment “Do not resist evil,” explaining that the Lord Christ calls man to endure offense and not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. Christian love does not seek what is for itself, but rather endures, is patient, and leaves judgment to God.
Endurance and Broadness of Heart
The lecture confirms that Christianity calls for broadness of heart and endurance of others, and not strong attachment to material things or earthly rights. The spiritual person preserves the peace of his heart and his relationship with people more than his attachment to material things or avenging himself.
Mercy and Giving
The lecture also calls for mercy, giving, helping the needy, and not hardening the heart toward the poor or suffering person. Practical love and giving are signs of life with God, and the merciful person receives mercy and blessing from the Lord.
The General Spiritual Message
The basic message of the lecture is that Christianity is not merely a literal execution of commandments, but a heartfelt life filled with love, meekness, and respect toward God and people, with trust that God preserves the rights of His children and leads them to inner peace and the eternal kingdom.
“For better translation support, please contact the center.”