Heaven Is God’s Throne

66 This is what the Lord says:

³⁴ But I say to you, ^(A)take no oath at all, neither by heaven, for it is ^(B)the throne of God, ³⁵ nor by the earth, for it is the ^(C)footstool of His feet, nor ^[a]by Jerusalem, for it is ^(D)the city of the great King. ³⁶ Nor shall you take an oath by your head, for you cannot make a single hair white or black. ³⁷ But make sure your statement is, ‘^[b]Yes, yes’ or ‘No, no’; anything beyond these is ^[c]of ^(E)evil origin.

³⁸ “^(F)You have heard that it was said, ‘^(G)Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ ³⁹ But I say to you, do not show opposition against an evil person; but ^(H)whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other toward him also. ⁴⁰ And if anyone wants to sue you and take your ^[d]tunic, let him have your ^[e]cloak also. ⁴¹ Whoever ^[f]forces you to go one mile, go with him two. ^42 (I)Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you.

⁴³ “^(J)You have heard that it was said, ‘^(K)You shall love your neighbor ^(L)and hate your enemy.’ ⁴⁴ But I say to you, ^(M)love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, ⁴⁵ so that you may prove yourselves to be ^(N)sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. ⁴⁶ For ^(O)if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Even the tax collectors, do they not do the same? ⁴⁷ And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Even the Gentiles, do they not do the same? ⁴⁸ Therefore ^(P)you shall be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.