The F-Bomb, and many other
swear words, are often censored in television and radio. This is for
good reason! They are not 'good' words! However, how offended should
people in general (and Christians specifically) be when we here this
words and phrases spoken or written? I would also submit that the
context of a word means a lot
more than the actual word being used. Taking into
consideration all of the real
problems in the world, are a few 'bad words' that outrageous? Does
swearing really rack up there with murder, theft, poverty, greed or
dishonoring one's parents? Keep in mind Jesus never asked anyone to
clean up their “potty-mouth” prior to listening to him or
following. Neither should we. Remember that Christ instructed those
He healed to “leave their lives of sin” after
He healed them, not prior. It is likely that some of the people we
speak with and share the gospel with won't exactly desire “clean”
language as much as others.
Let us
discuss these two points on a deeper level. Now, I am not making the
case that Christians should swear or that it is okay to be used
around children and small, furry animals. If a Christian who formerly
cursed as a part of his common vernacular, then stops, then happens
to “slip up”, there should be some amount of forgiveness given as
we all have our faults (James 2:10 reads: “For the one who obeys
the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of
it”).
Who
would curse at this guy anyway?
Instead,
what I am discussing is just how upset we should be when we hear
these words.
2
Timothy 2: 10 Reads: “So I endure all things for the sake of those
chosen by God, that they too may obtain salvation in Christ Jesus and
its eternal glory.” Paul is telling Timothy about the hardships of
imprisonment [Something I may touch upon in a future post]. Enduring
a fellow who curses and swears seems insignificant when compared to
the reality that you can share the Gospel! Christ Himself even told
us to “turn the other cheek” toward insults.
In
Romans 14 (The entire chapter is relevant so I'm not posting the
entire passage here. You will have to read it on your own), we are
told not to “have disputes over differing opinions”.
Now,
personally, I believe I should avoid using these words. It allows me
to speak to others with less to worry about concerning offending
others. Further still, should I use the “F-Bomb” or other similar
vulgar word, the listener may lose focus on what I'm saying. The
listener may stop listening! It's unfortunate, but people may not
consider what you have to say to be important if they don't like the
way you word it. While this isn't entirely the speaker's fault, there
are certain words that can (or should) be avoided to maintain
communication.
In
terms of “being all things to all people” [1 Corinthians
9:19-22]; isn't it better to have a civil conversation? When debates
turn into seething arguments, who wins? No one wins; everyone loses.
Even if you're right, it's not about being right, it's about the
persons very soul. Remember our battle is not against the flesh or
blood (our neighbors), it is against the principalities of evil (sin
itself) [Ephesians 6:12].
In
short: we should avoid cursing. We should not cover our ears and out
shout the other person should the swear. We shouldn't ignore and/or
condemn another person on what is a mere symptom of a deeper heart
issue.
As
always; discussion is welcome and encouraged, but please keep it
civil. (And no swearing ;)
