Swearing is a big problem, not only in our society but in times past. Without even thinking, many people through swear words and think that nobody is bothered by them. However, what they don’t know is that these words are hurtful to believers in God. Even these cuss words can be so demeaning and make us not even want to be around the person. As James said, “even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.” (James 3:5-8) Surely, what people are saying is deadly poison to the person who hears these awful words, but also God Himself.
Speaking of cussing, James also said, “therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.” (James 3:9-10) This is what I see in the world, people say nice things but also cursing at other times. Only God’s people can learn how to bless one another at all times, while allowing God to remove every curse word from our hearts. Now, as Paul said, “put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.” (Colossians 3:8) A person who is guided by the Holy Spirit won’t be found saying hurtful things to one another through cuss words and derogatory words that defame God and others. Instead, we put off these things, even when our flesh wants to speak out in anger on occasion. It is the Lord that helps us love our enemies. God is love and His children are also able to learn to love one another as He loves us.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, help us speak the way we ought to speak to one another. May there be no longer curse words that proceed from our mouths. If there is any anger in our hearts, we give it over to You, God, that You might destroy it. This includes our desires to cuss or defame people with our words. These types of words and phrases have become hurtful to me as a believer, as I know that many others feel the same way. Therefore, I pray that people will learn to be respectful to Christians and also learn by their desires to live for You. I know that many people will see You in us over time and also ask why we are different. Why we don’t say or do the things they do. I have seen this in person and am grateful that people I know and love have also come to the saving knowledge of You, Jesus, through seeing our love and devotion to You. I pray that You will light up our lives each day, that many more people will see You in us and glorify the Father. I glory You, God. You are my King. Amen.
