God’s Image Study • Commandment 3: God’s Name
We have examined the name YHWH (יהוה), the responsibility of speaking in His name, and the need to test what we attribute to Him.
That examination also reaches our everyday words and actions. What do they reveal about the God we claim to honor?
The Father’s name is to be treated as holy
When Jesus teaches his disciples how to pray, he begins:
“Our Father who is in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.”
— Matthew 6:9, LSB
The following verse directs attention to the Father’s kingdom and will. His name belongs within that relationship: we approach Him, honor Him, and seek His will.
This gives us something to examine in ourselves. When I speak His name, am I willing to submit what I want to what He instructs?
Let our words be truthful
In Matthew 5:33–37, Jesus addresses oaths. He tells his hearers not to swear by heaven, earth, Jerusalem, or their own heads, and directs them toward a plain yes or no.
Even the things someone might invoke in an oath are not theirs to control. Heaven is God’s throne; earth is His footstool. Read Matthew 5:33–37.
This challenges the desire to make our words appear stronger by attaching something sacred to them.
Do I speak honestly without needing to insist that God guarantees my claim? If I discover that I have spoken incorrectly, will I correct it—or protect my reputation by continuing to attach His authority to it?
Truthfulness includes being honest about what we know, what we are still examining, and what Scripture actually states.
What else comes from the same mouth?
James 3:9–10 describes a contradiction: the tongue blesses the Lord and Father, yet also curses people made in God’s likeness.
James says this should not happen. He follows with the image of a spring and the water it produces. Read James 3:9–12.
This passage brings our speech about God alongside our speech toward people. We cannot examine one while ignoring the other.
When challenged, do I remain truthful? Do I misrepresent someone’s words to make my own position appear stronger? Does my response seek their good, or their humiliation?
Speaking firmly about wrongdoing does not require false accusations or contempt.
Wisdom is visible in conduct
James then asks who is wise and understanding. His answer turns attention to conduct and the gentleness of wisdom.
He contrasts bitter jealousy and selfish ambition with wisdom from above, describing that wisdom through purity, peace, gentleness, mercy, good fruit, and the absence of hypocrisy. Read James 3:13–18.
The source matters. So does what proceeds from it.
This continues our examination of spiritual claims. Calling something God’s guidance does not place it beyond testing. We must consider whether our words and actions agree with the instruction we claim to follow.
Whose honor do others see?
Jesus tells his disciples to let their light shine so that people see their good works and glorify their Father in heaven.
In the next chapter, he warns against practicing righteousness for the purpose of being noticed by others. Together, these passages require attention to motive: the same outward visibility can serve very different purposes. Read Matthew 5:16 and Matthew 6:1–4.
Am I seeking recognition for myself, or living in a way that honors the Father?
The third commandment brings responsibility to the name we speak. Our assurances, teaching, treatment of others, and motives all deserve examination before Him.
Threads to Follow
Love and truth: Keep 1 Corinthians 13:1–7 beside our speech and conduct.
The heart behind the words: Compare Matthew 12:34–37 with James 3.
Bringing the study together: Remember the name, preserve the Father–Son relationship, test what we attribute to God, and examine how we represent Him.
The books were opened…
🌿 By Maria Emilia
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