Last week at work, someone I work with used a swear word when talking about something to our team, then quickly apologized to just me for her language. Co-workers have often shared with me their amazement at how I never swear and almost every time one of them uses that kind of language around me, an apology to me follows after. Through these experiences, I’ve been reminded how what you say or don’t say matters and people take notice. Words are powerful. Is the language we use reflecting God in the way it should?
Our culture has normalized vulgar and inappropriate language. From movies and TV shows, to music, and just casually in everyday life around us, people have largely become desensitized to this type of degrading language, being quick to use it and not even blinking an eye upon hearing it. How often do people throw around the “f word” as if it’s an ordinary word? How often do people use God’s name in vain like it means nothing? Hearing these words and phrases should jolt us out of complacency.
It is unbelievable to see and hear the way people speak to each other and about each other. All you have to do is open up social media and spend a few minutes scrolling to see the awful and cruel way people speak to each other. Comments and posts are filled with extreme name calling, the use of the “f word”, and other derogatory language. Unfortunately, this language is used outside of social media too. An example in my own life that comes to mind immediately is the times spent praying and walking in front of Planned Parenthood and the countless people who drove by, screaming derogatory messages angrily out their windows. It always did sting when this happened.
There is never a good reason to use this sort of language. God calls every single one of us to greater heights. There are countless words in the English language that can be used to express ourselves in an appropriate way. Each and every single person is made in the image and likeness of God, so the way we speak and the words we exchange with others matters. Words that are vulgar and inappropriate have the ability to defile and violate the dignity of the person.
Being human, we can easily say things we regret or words we didn’t mean and that’s where God’s mercy and forgiveness come in, but I think swearing is a whole other category that is completely avoidable. We have the ability to intentionally choose what we say, and we can avoid carelessly using God’s name in vain, the “f” word or other similar words.
Through our words, we should speak love, speak life, and speak truth. God has given us the ability to speak, so we should avoid those words that violate God and others. When you avoid this type of language, people do notice. And you will never know how it might inspire someone to make a change or to at least stop and think. My prayer for today is that our words would be a reflection of God within us.
Faith and The Good Stuff 