FUDGE!!

      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 ;)