Andrew Wommack Devotional 28 February 2026 – More Than Just Words

Biblical Context

The Gospel of Matthew gives us a powerful look at Jesus’ life and teachings. It’s believed that Matthew, also known as Levi, one of Jesus’ twelve disciples, wrote this book. Before he followed Jesus, Matthew worked as a tax collector, a job often hated by his own people. This background gave him a unique view, showing how Jesus came not just for the religious elite, but for everyone, even those considered outsiders.

Matthew’s book was written primarily for a Jewish audience, showing how Jesus was the Messiah promised in the Old Testament. He links Jesus’ life and words directly to ancient prophecies, proving that Jesus truly came from God. The scripture we’re looking at today, Matthew 5:33-37, comes from the Sermon on the Mount, one of Jesus’ most famous teachings. In this sermon, Jesus wasn’t changing the old laws, but showing a deeper, more spiritual way to follow them. He calls us to a righteousness that goes past just outward actions, reaching into the heart and thoughts. Here, He’s talking about how we use our words, pushing us to live with such honesty that we don’t need fancy promises or oaths to back up what we say.

Key Word Study

Let’s look at the word “communication” from Matthew 5:37: “But let your communication be, Yea, yea: Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.”

In the Greek language, the word used here is λογος (logos). This word means more than just casual talk. It stands for a spoken word, a statement, a message, or an account. It can even mean reason or divine utterance. When Jesus uses logos here, He’s not just talking about the sounds we make. He’s talking about the weight and meaning behind every word we speak. He’s calling us to make our basic ‘yes’ and ‘no’ carry all the truth and honesty needed, without needing anything extra to prove we mean it.

More Than Just Words

Our main scripture, Matthew 5:33-37, tells us, “But let your communication be, Yea, yea: Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.” This isn’t just about saying ‘yes’ or ‘no.’ It’s about how you live your life. Jesus is saying that your simple, everyday words should be enough. You shouldn’t have to swear an oath or make a grand promise for people to believe you. If you need to add extra assurances, it shows there’s something wrong with how people see your truthfulness.

The main point of Jesus’ teaching here is that we should live in a way that no one ever has to ask for more proof that we’re telling the truth. Your word should be your bond. Think about it: when you say you’ll do something, people should know it’s as good as done. When you say something is true, they should accept it as fact. This kind of honesty builds real trust and keeps your conscience clear.

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The Shepherd Boy and Our Integrity

We’ve all heard the story of the young shepherd boy who kept crying “wolf!” when there was no wolf. He thought it was funny, but what happened? Finally, when a real wolf came, no one believed him. This story holds a big lesson for us. Our lack of truthfulness in what we say and do has the same effect on people today. If you’re known for not keeping your word, or for stretching the truth, people won’t trust you when it truly matters. You don’t want to be in a situation where your honesty is questioned, especially when you’re trying to share God’s truth.

Modern Business and God’s Intent

It’s a sad truth that very few people conduct business anymore with just their word and a handshake. We live in a world where even contracts, which are formal written agreements, aren’t always seen as solid. If someone has enough money for a good lawyer, they might try to get out of their agreements, even the written ones. But this isn’t what God planned for us. He wants us to be people of our word, where a simple agreement carries serious weight. He wants us to live in a way that our promises are kept, no matter what.

God’s Example and Our Bodies’ Response

God gives us the best example. He has fulfilled every single word He has ever spoken. When God says something, it happens. He doesn’t go back on His promises. He doesn’t change His mind. We were made in His likeness, and He wants us to be the same way. He wants us to be as reliable and trustworthy as He is. It’s not just a spiritual idea either; it affects us physically. Did you know that our own bodies react badly when we lie? That’s why lie detectors work. They measure physical changes like heart rate and sweating, showing that lying takes a real toll on us. When we tell the truth, our bodies are at peace, just like our minds.

Commit to Being a Person of Your Word

Today, make a choice to be a new man or woman of your word. Decide that your ‘yes’ will always mean yes, and your ‘no’ will always mean no. This isn’t just a small change; it’s a big step toward living like Jesus. When you start living this way, you won’t just gain new respect from others; you’ll also feel a deep joy and freedom. Your heart and mind will be clear, knowing that you’re walking in truth and integrity. It’s a weight lifted off you, allowing you to walk closer with God and live in His peace. Let’s really live what Matthew 5:37 calls us to do, making our communication simple, truthful, and powerful.