Do you have a dirty mouth?
I still remember the first time I ever swore. I was in 11th grade and as my crush was walking by, I slammed my finger in my car door and screamed BEEEEEP!
I was utterly mortified. I was so proud of my clean record and I felt so dirty. And as time went on, those swear words had less and less meaning to me. I had a dirty mouth.
After I moved to Europe, I realized that Christians I knew used cuss words on a daily basis, because to them, they weren’t even bad words. They were just normal words they used to describe things.
But I knew how I was using them. I wasn’t using them in the most pleasant of ways. I used them when I was hurt, angry, needed emphasis, to look cool, to be funny or if I was yelling and needed to get my point across. I had a dirty mouth.
The Bible is extremely clear about the kind of language we should be using.
Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. Ephesians 4:29
Am I representing Jesus when I use this kind of language? Because quite frankly, it is ultimately not edifying anybody or anything. This isn’t only referring to cuss words, but anything that is dirty, foul, abusive or unwholesome.
When we have a filthy mouth, it makes us look bad, especially if we call ourselves Christians.
We need to find other things to say when we are frustrated, angry, or trying to get our point across. We need to say things that will glorify God instead.
I know it’s easier said than done. And if you find that you have a dirty mouth, find ways to glorify God with your mouth when you want to use those other words, and make a habit of it.
Everything that comes out of our mouths should be good and helpful to others, nothing else. The best advice is, if you have nothing nice to say, don’t say anything at all.
It’s just like Ralphie in A Christmas Story, sometimes we just need a good bar of soap in our mouths to remember to watch what we say!
Response Questions
1. What situations/scenarios do I notice myself saying things I shouldn’t be?
2. What steps can I take to be better and more encouraging with my words?
Pray with me!
Father God, forgive me for using words that I shouldn’t use and anything else that I say that isn’t good, helpful or encouraging. I want to be used by you. I want glorify you with every word that comes out of my mouth. Help me to find new ways to communicate my words. I love you and thank you for your wisdom and direction.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
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