An important teaching during my years doing Bible ministry with incarcerated teens:
Incarcerated teens who come to Bible study often make a decision to follow Jesus. Yet many of them have a habit of cursing and they want help in overcoming this habit. Here is my teaching:
It’s important to clean up your language. When we swear we sling words around because we are frustrated or angry. Usually the words relate to two things: (1) Spiritual (God) or (2) Bodily Functions (sex act or elimination).
Think about it. Curse words refer to a Person or activities that are very real and very necessary to our existence. Without God we wouldn’t be here. Without sex we wouldn’t be here. Without bodily elimination we’d die!
Moreover, when we use the word “God” or “Jesus” in a disrespectful way, we are breaking the Third Commandment. Is this the way we want to honor God?
God’s Word says, “You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses His name.”—Deuteronomy 5:11, Exodus 20:7. It’s serious. In fact, God placed this commandment above adultery and murder on His list.
Is it necessary to shout Cr__ or Sh__? Both are slang for feces. Why would anyone want to yell about feces? How about the pi_s word? Why yell about urine? It’s senseless.
Plan now what you will say the next time you feel frustrated or angry. How about a simple, “Oh No!” The Bible says, “All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No.’ Anything beyond this comes from the evil one.” Practice now—so you are prepared in advance. You could even try, “Oh Dear! Oh My! Oh Boy!”
Does swearing impress people? Yes. It gives a bad impression.
You become unpleasant to be with.
It reduces the respect others have for you.
It’s a sign a bad attitude.
It is immature and disrespectful.
It reflects ignorance and shows your vocabulary is limited.
Swearing is lazy language and lacks imagination.
It offends people.
It shows lack of character.
It turns discussions into arguments.
Even if your friends swear, you will be perceived as more mature, intelligent and polite if you control your language.
It’s your choice: Do you want to be considered crude and rude?
Or, do you want to have character and class?
- All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No.’ Anything beyond this comes from the evil one. Matthew 5:37
- Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. Ephesians 5:4
- Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. James 1:26
- With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. James 3:9-10
- SEVEN TIMES A DAY – By Kathleen
This life is temporary. This life is short. When this life is over, our bodies will die and become empty shells, but our souls will continue to live forever. Where will the “real you” live? Will you live for all eternity separated from God? Or will you spend eternity in the presence of God in heaven? Learn more so you can make your most important decision: http://www.godlife.com/gospel/ and http://www.godlife.com/en/about-christianity
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