Is it right to assume that people who use swear words consistently are not christian? I'm not talking about people who just use them when they are angry or get hurt, we all slip up sometimes. But people who use them as everyday words (adjectives, verbs, nouns) like it is nothing. Has anyone who's used swear words regularly been convicted after being saved and thus stopped using them cold turkey?

Perhaps. We are to know who to call brother by the fruit in their life (fruit of the Spirit). But, i do know many Christians who do use vulgar words as regular language, and i rebuke them on it as best i can.

The bottom line is: If you know someone who claims to be Christian, yet they use such language (in contradiction of James 3) then you should be doing your best to scripturally show them such language is unacceptable in the Kingdom. If they refuse such a rebuke treat them in love as an unbeliever.

Right here!!! :lol:

When I came to Christ I was a senior NCO with the 82d Abn Div...I couldn't put together a sentence without "coloring it" a bit. :P

I was proud of the fact that I could cuss fluently in 7 languages! :lol:

That was the first thing that I was brought under conviction about...and I went "cold turkey" which required me to stop and think first (before it left my lips). ;)

Praise to God for the change! :pp

Is it right to assume that people who use swear words consistently are not christian? I'm not talking about people who just use them when they are angry or get hurt, we all slip up sometimes. But people who use them as everyday words (adjectives, verbs, nouns) like it is nothing. Has anyone who's used swear words regularly been convicted after being saved and thus stopped using them cold turkey?


No way! Ever been around a bunch of blue collar guys?

Not right at all- No way - that idea is absurd to me

Does the Bible say you can't say certain cuss words? Like other words for "darn" or "shoot?" I know it says not to use God's name in vain, but what about other cussing?

Love to all,

Bex

Well, potroast.

I think that would fall under 'unwholesome talk.'

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Eph 4:29

The Greek work here is 'sapros,' corrupt, rotten, putrid, like fruit that has gone bad. Also used in Mt 7:17 about bad trees bearing bad fruit.

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer. Ps 19:15

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Ps 51:10

Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Prov 4:23

The heartof the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil. Prov 15:28

Out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. Mt 12:34

A challenge to me. I know what my temptation is in this area - making other people laugh when I wouldn't dare say those words if I always kept in mind that Jesus might as well be standing next to me. Ouch.

Is it right to assume that people who use swear words consistently are not christian? I'm not talking about people who just use them when they are angry or get hurt, we all slip up sometimes. But people who use them as everyday words (adjectives, verbs, nouns) like it is nothing. Has anyone who's used swear words regularly been convicted after being saved and thus stopped using them cold turkey?


No way! Ever been around a bunch of blue collar guys?

Not right at all- No way - that idea is absurd to me

YES WAY :pp

I am another one! I have been in mechanical construction (welders, millwrights, tin knockers) all my adult life. I quit cold turkey about 14 years ago (with God's guidance).

Even had many owners ask how i could manage construction jobs without yelling and cussing at the crews :lol:

None of the guys we have working for us have ever heard me cuss. PRAISE GOD!

I quit after I became a Christian. I didn't swear like a military guy but I still did.

Eph 5:3-4
3 But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; 4 neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks.
NKJV

Col 3:8

8 But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth.
NKJV

Matt 12:34-37
34 Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. 35 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things. 36 But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. 37 For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned."
NKJV

It says in Colossians 3:8 "But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips". This was the part in Colossians about the rules for living a "Holy" Life. Now, how I view this verse is, as long as we ourselves do show any of these emotions or say filthy language like curse words, then we are living the Holy Life. Now, I'm the first to say that I've let a couple curse words slip, but that was just due to the fact that we are so used to hearing them and saying them in today's society, that we really don't and discouragement when saying these words. But, to say that if someone cusses means that they aren't Christians is kind of bologna. One thing I might add though is, is I feel like if the person says this curse word and doesn't feel remorse or upset with himself/herself about using this word, then I feel that this person might need to get in-touch with the inner spirit more and ask himself/herself if this was what the Lord wants him to do or say. Thats my view on this topic.

I've been a cop for 20 years and 5 years before in the AF.
I also could really put them together. This also was the first thing the Lord convicted me on after I was saved. It was also the first thing I was able to master. In speaking with friends of mine, I found that this was common for their experience also.

YES WAY :pp

I am another one! I have been in mechanical construction (welders, millwrights, tin knockers) all my adult life. I quit cold turkey about 14 years ago (with God's guidance).

Even had many owners ask how i could manage construction jobs without yelling and cussing at the crews :lol:

None of the guys we have working for us have ever heard me cuss. PRAISE GOD!


lol .....thats great!

What I'm saying is that just because someone cusses ...I wouldnt ever try and assume that they were or were not a Christian.....

you guys go ahead and use that as a rule if you want...but I wont

I can only speak definatively about me.
When I was converted Jesus converted my tongue too. He changed it from:
sharp to gentle.
cutting down to lifting up.
vulgar to respectful.
cursing to blessing.
profain to honorable.

Cussing certainly isn't THE litmus test for a Christian, LOVE is. :) But if someone isn't getting some conviction about it I would wonder. The Holy Spirit works in us and it would be unusual if a Christian were to not experience conviction over something that so obviously gives a bad testimony like that.

The instructions about it in Scripture shows that this is something we need to be taught, so that we know what is pleasing to God. Then after we have received the instruction, we can grow from it. For some it's a harder battle and for others it might be easier.

Does the Bible say you can't say certain cuss words? Like other words for "darn" or "shoot?" I know it says not to use God's name in vain, but what about other cussing?

Love to all,

Bex

Read James 3.

The need to say such words is at the very least a symptom of a lack of control over ones flesh. If one cannot even control the words from ones own lips, how is one to beat the really tough sins (with Christ's help)? Killing sin needs to start at the root of the problem, a lack of self-control over ones flesh (sin).

Such words can also be a substitution for harsher and more vulgar words whose purpose in sin is to take what God made perfect and twist it out of it's context. The use of the f-word or c-word takes what God made good and makes it tainted and impure. Substitutions for such words are a spiritual band-aid that doesnt really address the issue. If you are experiencing evil words (even substitutionary ones) in your heart/mind then those words are still sinning in you. A vulgar thought by any other name is still a vulgar thought.

#@%%*&!! There, that didn't hurt did it?
Actually our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit and it at least grieves Him to have to live in the same apt. where the walls are thin and the words are thick. But He walks softly and carries a big cleaning brush. :blush:

Is it right to assume that people who use swear words consistently are not christian? I'm not talking about people who just use them when they are angry or get hurt, we all slip up sometimes. But people who use them as everyday words (adjectives, verbs, nouns) like it is nothing. Has anyone who's used swear words regularly been convicted after being saved and thus stopped using them cold turkey?

if i am truly frustrated with life, behind closed doors, between me and God, i let it all out. I try not to be disrespectful to Him but honest. there have been times where i felt like a piece of <Mod Edit> concerning my own righteousness and i would tell God that is how i felt. Sometimes something terrible might happen, such as realizing i shouldve been at work an hour earlier because my clock was off. I might say "damn it" but then i know this earth is not my home and i am not perfect.

Im not so sure it is the words but rather the heart.

If you teach a one year old to say the <Mod Edit>, when he says it is he sinning? i think it is an heart issue not a vocabulary issue, however out of the heart the mouth speaks.

God uses real language. He calls a whore a whore. So if i feel that without God i am <Mod Edit> then that's what i say

however obviously i don't go around cussing up a storm. I try to always use discernment with my toungue when in the presence of others.

However you must go to Jesus yourself and the Bible and follow your convictions as the Spirit leads.

I believe its like food, to him who thinks its ok to eat pork, to him its ok. The bible does say not to have filthy language, but my understanding is that filthy refers to intent not a specific word.

For example if im joking with my girlfriend and say your such a <Mod Edit> lol
i don;t know i thats bad because my intent is to lightheartedly joke with her and make her laugh in a sweet way

However if my boss tells me to do something and i get mad and say YouRE SUCHA <Mod Edit> thats a little different even though its the same words

Read James 3.

The need to say such words is at the very least a symptom of a lack of control over ones flesh. If one cannot even control the words from ones own lips, how is one to beat the really tough sins (with Christ's help)? Killing sin needs to start at the root of the problem, a lack of self-control over ones flesh (sin).

Such words can also be a substitution for harsher and more vulgar words whose purpose in sin is to take what God made perfect and twist it out of it's context. The use of the <Mod Edit> takes what God made good and makes it tainted and impure. Substitutions for such words are a spiritual band-aid that doesnt really address the issue. If you are experiencing evil words (even substitutionary ones) in your heart/mind then those words are still sinning in you. A vulgar thought by any other name is still a vulgar thought.

i see your point, but i believe there is certain confusion concerning the context of things such as a vulgar thought. For example, we could say thinking of a bare womans body is vulgar, but what if that is your wife? We may think whore is a bad word, but the bible uses it IN CONTEXT. i can say to my father, "sure, whatever you want Dad" and role my eyes direspectfully. Is dad a bad word? no, i believe it is the motive that counts. It may just be me, but i feel that i have freedom to say almost anyword i want within the context of being loving and honest. For example, i believe saying: "without Christ your life isnt gonna be <Mod Edit>"

some people will think thats too strong but it is true

but this is my opinion not dogma

i feel the same toward wine/beer

i feel i have freedom to drink almost anything as long as i dont get drunk but also i should use discernment

when or if i use strong language i am perfectly in control and well aware of the effects of that language, i usually never just fly off the pole and cuss people out


it is actually debated that Paul used a very very similar word to <Mod Edit> in the new testament when he said he counted all his righteousness as "rubbish"
in the original greek and the culture of that time the word was indeed vulgar

if i am truly frustrated with life, behind closed doors, between me and God, i let it all out. I try not to be disrespectful to Him but honest. there have been times where i felt like a piece of <Mod Edit>concerning my own righteousness and i would tell God that is how i felt. Sometimes something terrible might happen, such as realizing i shouldve been at work an hour earlier because my clock was off. I might say "damn it" but then i know this earth is not my home and i am not perfect.

Im not so sure it is the words but rather the heart.

If you teach a one year old to say the <Mod Edit>, when he says it is he sinning? i think it is an heart issue not a vocabulary issue, however out of the heart the mouth speaks.

God uses real language. He calls a whore a whore. So if i feel that without God i am <Mod Edit> then that's what i say

however obviously i don't go around cussing up a storm. I try to always use discernment with my toungue when in the presence of others.

However you must go to Jesus yourself and the Bible and follow your convictions as the Spirit leads.

I believe its like food, to him who thinks its ok to eat pork, to him its ok. The bible does say not to have filthy language, but my understanding is that filthy refers to intent not a specific word.

For example if im joking with my girlfriend and say your such a <Mod Edit> lol
i don;t know i thats bad because my intent is to lightheartedly joke with her and make her laugh in a sweet way

However if my boss tells me to do something and i get mad and say YouRE SUCHA <Mod Edit>! thats a little different even though its the same words

Someday, someway, when you use name calling in jest, it will be used with an edge of anger, and masked as a joke. Deep down inside, I never want those that love me, to kid me about that kind of stuff. It is not a big deal but it chips away at relationship. It tears down, not builds up.

I'm pretty split on this one. My father always told me swearing was a crutch, and demonstrated weakness. Being a lover of words, I can also see how they very succinctly and potently express emotional state and passion. That's the positive. The negative is that for a swear to be a swear, it has to breach a socially taboo topic. That means swearing is dependent on culture, and therefore transient.

For example, in french you can say "merde" which is the literal equivalent of <Mod Edit>. In French Canada, you can say this word in church, and nobody will bat an eyelash. However, speaking of anything church related out of context is regarded MUCH worse than how many conservative Americans would react to an english swear word. In old english, I'm told that <Mod Edit> would never have been considered a swear word, but was just the common way of referring to poop, especially that of farm animals. In 1939, Clark Gable said "Frankly my dear, I don't give a d-mn", and polite society was shocked while today's society would be almost innocently confused as to why that was bad.

For me, even though I'm split... I avoid it lest I offend. I do miss the unmistakable emotional weight the words carry though.

Something else that just came to mind.

Isiah 36: 12 But the commander replied, "Was it only to your master and you that my master sent me to say these things, and not to the men sitting on the wall—who, like you, will have to eat their own filth and drink their own urine?"

Those more familiar with Hebrew may correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't the original rendering of this passage considered to use "vulgar" words?

Everyone please read and heed!


Please keep in mind that this is not a private forum, but is viewable to any and everyone on the world-wide-web.

As we are a cross-cultural, cross denominational, cross societal mix of people; let's all stay away from the specific "cuss words" that may be near and dear to our hearts. :lol:

Putting a series of ***s is not enough to camouflage the word, and it can and indeed has caused offense in some circles.

Therefore, if you look at your post and see <Mod Edit>, don't take it personally. We are not prudes, but certain things are not deemed acceptable in this venue as being in keeping with a Christian Message Board viewable to all.

Thanks for your understanding and cooperation.:)

i see your point, but i believe there is certain confusion concerning the context of things such as a vulgar thought. For example, we could say thinking of a bare womans body is vulgar, but what if that is your wife? We may think whore is a bad word, but the bible uses it IN CONTEXT. i can say to my father, "sure, whatever you want Dad" and role my eyes direspectfully. Is dad a bad word? no, i believe it is the motive that counts. It may just be me, but i feel that i have freedom to say almost anyword i want within the context of being loving and honest. For example, i believe saying: "without Christ your life isnt gonna be <Mod Edit>"

some people will think thats too strong but it is true

but this is my opinion not dogma

i feel the same toward wine/beer

i feel i have freedom to drink almost anything as long as i dont get drunk but also i should use discernment

when or if i use strong language i am perfectly in control and well aware of the effects of that language, i usually never just fly off the pole and cuss people out


it is actually debated that Paul used a very very similar word to <Mod Edit> in the new testament when he said he counted all his righteousness as "rubbish"
in the original greek and the culture of that time the word was indeed vulgar

I fully attest that context is important, and it is indeed when we take things out of context that they become sin. I have no problem using alternative words for poo (the s-word, the other c-word) if they are used in the right context (i.e. a hard hitting sermon illustration to the right audience). But when you take words like the f-word (for sex) and the c-word (for the female anatomy) that is a denegration of a gift of God. It is taking something beautiful and mutilating it into something evil and indeed vulgar.

On top of that, we have my point about not controlling ones words. The root of most swearing/cussing/exclamations are found in a lack of control over the flesh that we as Christians are to strive in exerting (through Christ's help).

Do you understand where i am getting at?

I fully attest that context is important, and it is indeed when we take things out of context that they become sin. I have no problem using alternative words for poo (the s-word, the other c-word) if they are used in the right context (i.e. a hard hitting sermon illustration to the right audience). But when you take words like the f-word (for sex) and the c-word (for the female anatomy) that is a denegration of a gift of God. It is taking something beautiful and mutilating it into something evil and indeed vulgar.

On top of that, we have my point about not controlling ones words. The root of most swearing/cussing/exclamations are found in a lack of control over the flesh that we as Christians are to strive in exerting (through Christ's help).

Do you understand where i am getting at?

yes. i believe we are on the same page with this. there is a difference between selectively and discerningly using a certain word compared to impulsively letting something out of our mouths. Also there are disrespectful words as u stated the f-word and such. i absolutley agree

there are people who get saved and don't even know it is wrong to use language that is not pure, and lovely and of good report. Out of the heart man speaks.
If you know to do good and don't do it it is sin.
I love that my sailor husband, when he got saved, quit that right away. One of the midshipmen said to him once that if a superior officer didn't cuss at them they probably werent serious. That is sad. My husband has a lot of respect from his coworkers and the mids at the annapolis Naval accadamy and he doesn't say one bad word.

at our house we call coloquills (sp) Christian cuss words. They take the place of a bad word and if you use it as a bad word, it still is.

Isiah 36: 12 But the commander replied, "Was it only to your master and you that my master sent me to say these things, and not to the men sitting on the wall—who, like you, will have to eat their own filth and drink their own urine?"

Those more familiar with Hebrew may correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't the original rendering of this passage considered to use "vulgar" words?

Just wanted to put this one out there again.

I see some of you had been convicted of this after becoming saved while others claim that you have to be taught that it is displeasing to God before quitting. So which is it? Is it really cultural that the Holy Spirit decides upon whether to convict or not?

Does this verse apply? :

Rom. 5:13
For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law.

Isn't the law supposed to be written into our hearts? Or is it such that the law is written into our hearts, but not our minds?

Just wanted to put this one out there again.

It's not vulgarity that is the issue so much as taking something out of it's intended creation context. This may happen to be something that is vulgar, it could also be a many other descriptive words.

I see some of you had been convicted of this after becoming saved while others claim that you have to be taught that it is displeasing to God before quitting. So which is it? Is it really cultural that the Holy Spirit decides upon whether to convict or not?

Does this verse apply? :

Rom. 5:13
For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law.

Isn't the law supposed to be written into our hearts? Or is it such that the law is written into our hearts, but not our minds?

We live in a sinful world and the rightiousness given unto us as individuals is known only to God. Because He works slower in some over others one might seem to 'learn' a truth while others might seem to have it innately. But we should know that all good things come from God, and from whichever tool he uses to impart it, it is from Him. You do ask a good question though, so if you wish to discuss it further perhaps a new thread is pertinent.

I found this site today because i was trying to find out if it is a sin to curse. I have read many scriptures that to me do say that cursing is a sin. I have a personal experience that may further agree with what we are discussing. I have a very close friend that curses non stop and says that she is a christian. Her cursing never bothered me at all UNTIL I got baptist with the holy spirit about 3 months ago. I started feeling very offended and repulsed by her language. I would end our conversations quickly when she would start using such language. I would sometimes feel a negative energy trying to get inside of me. ( I promise you, i am NOT crazy:D) I really would end our conversation quickly because i felt like something inside of me was not pleased with her speech. I eventually talked to my brother and a elder at my church. They both told me that it was the holy spirit in me that was making me feel this way. Her speech was offending the holy spirt. I then realized that i have been blessed with the holy spirit and i need to do anything not to offend it. I have been praying for my friend. I also have tried to distance myself from her until the lord tells me how to handle this situation. She is one that would get VERY offended if i was to talk to her about this. So i am waiting on the lord to guide me with the right decision.

My answer is yes. Cursing and any type of offensive language is a sin. I have felt the quenching of the spirit being around this behavior and i do not want to offend myself, others or the holy spirit with this language.

chele

Let me say this. When i use curse words casually, i feel very convicted, as i was today. But not because i am not allowed to use those words (imo) but because there is a time and place for certain words. There is a time and place for "strong language". I occaisonally use strong language but i try to always make sure that what i say is going to build up and not tear down. I put "language" in the same category as beer. There is no list of words we can and cant say. The culture makes up words and calls them bad. That does not mean we cannot use them imo but as i said i am a new christian. God doesnt hand out a list of OK words to use. He gives us a list of wrong ways to talk and right ways to talk. For example what we say should be able to make someone feel built up in faith not torn down. It is my current conviction that there is a time and appropriate place for strong language but at the same time i dont feel that we should just casually be cursing all the time either

I found this site today because i was trying to find out if it is a sin to curse. I have read many scriptures that to me do say that cursing is a sin. I have a personal experience that may further agree with what we are discussing. I have a very close friend that curses non stop and says that she is a christian. Her cursing never bothered me at all UNTIL I got baptist with the holy spirit about 3 months ago. I started feeling very offended and repulsed by her language. I would end our conversations quickly when she would start using such language. I would sometimes feel a negative energy trying to get inside of me. ( I promise you, i am NOT crazy:D) I really would end our conversation quickly because i felt like something inside of me was not pleased with her speech. I eventually talked to my brother and a elder at my church. They both told me that it was the holy spirit in me that was making me feel this way. Her speech was offending the holy spirt. I then realized that i have been blessed with the holy spirit and i need to do anything not to offend it. I have been praying for my friend. I also have tried to distance myself from her until the lord tells me how to handle this situation. She is one that would get VERY offended if i was to talk to her about this. So i am waiting on the lord to guide me with the right decision.

My answer is yes. Cursing and any type of offensive language is a sin. I have felt the quenching of the spirit being around this behavior and i do not want to offend myself, others or the holy spirit with this language.

chele

Welcome to the board! I'm rather new here myself. I too think that excessive cursing in everyday language is a sin and even if it's not a sin, we should refrain from it lest we offend, as others have pointed out.

I will pray that the Lord will guide you in your circumstance with your friend.

The question was: Is it right to assume a person who swears is not a Christian.

That answer is a loud NO!

It is NOT RIGHT to ASSUME that someone is NOT a Christian because they SIN because WE ALL SIN.

Is it a sin to use certain words? Yes. Do Christians sin? yes we do.

which one of you does not sin?

You still call yourselves Christian, no?

The question was: Is it right to assume a person who swears is not a Christian.

That answer is a loud NO!

It is NOT RIGHT to ASSUME that someone is NOT a Christian because they SIN because WE ALL SIN.

Is it a sin to use certain words? Yes. Do Christians sin? yes we do.

which one of you does not sin?

You still call yourselves Christian, no?

Agreed.

People seeing us change and then asking us, is a great way to give testimony. God is patient. I could not stop on my own, now it is no longer a habit, and I rarely even think about it. Boy oh boy is it foreign (and convicting) when one slips out....or even worse when I have an out and don't take it.

Agreed.

People seeing us change and then asking us, is a great way to give testimony. God is patient. I could not stop on my own, now it is no longer a habit, and I rarely even think about it. Boy oh boy is it foreign (and convicting) when one slips out....or even worse when I have an out and don't take it.


I'm a lady so I dont swear much outloud, but I'll think them in my head. lol. So yeah, I mean its the same thing, I feel convicted of it (only two swear words convict me and one of them is a name, the rest I just consider low class behavior).

The question was: Is it right to assume a person who swears is not a Christian.

That answer is a loud NO!

It is NOT RIGHT to ASSUME that someone is NOT a Christian because they SIN because WE ALL SIN.

Is it a sin to use certain words? Yes. Do Christians sin? yes we do.

which one of you does not sin?

You still call yourselves Christian, no?


believe it or not there are a couple of people on this board who claim to live sinless lives:rolleyes:

believe it or not there are a couple of people on this board who claim to live sinless lives:rolleyes:

Wow, haven't met them yet.

Anyway this is an area I'm still working on. I can go days, weeks but I will get angry and out pops a bad one. I'm immediately convicted though and I know God is working on me in this area. Certain behaviors bring it out in me and unfortunately it's in my own household.

what does it mean when you say you get convicted? i was just wondering because i've never heard it used in that way :blush:

there are certain curse words that really make my hair stand on end, but i agree that i think it depends on context with some of them

what does it mean when you say you get convicted? i was just wondering because i've never heard it used in that way :blush:

there are certain curse words that really make my hair stand on end, but i agree that i think it depends on context with some of them

Convicted just means that after you do it, you feel a sense in your heart/spirit that what you did was possibly a little off. However im not going to say what word is a sin and what is not because just because we are convicted doesnt always mean its wrong. Sometimes the Holy Spirit leads you to do whats right, and sometimes it is our own conciousce that restricts us. For example some are convicted that they cannot drink alcohol. Of course it is not a sin to drink wine, but everyone has different convictions.

what does it mean when you say you get convicted? i was just wondering because i've never heard it used in that way :blush:

there are certain curse words that really make my hair stand on end, but i agree that i think it depends on context with some of them


I like this definition of convicted:

To make aware of one's sinfulness or guilt.

This is how I feel after I "go there." After I step outside of my Christianity and into the world with not so nice language. I'm not talking gutter language but exploding when I shouldn't as a daughter of king. I feel it when I slip up and say something I should have said differently. I also feel it when I gossip. I feel it when I think badly of the next driver for cutting in front of me and not using a turn signal. Everyone experiences conviction differently though. What convicts me may not convict you.

I used to swear all the time before I was saved!! In fact, right around the time I came to Christ, I had a dream that Jesus was standing in front of me, but all my friends desserted me. I asked Him why and he said (in a very loving way) "It's because you curse too much". Then, I said I was sorry and He hugged me. I don't think I've ever felt such warmth and peace flow over me than at that time, both in the dream and when I awoke. I knew it was true & I knew i had to stop if I was ever going to be a good servant of the Lord.

Now, when I hear curse words, I almost cringe. I get a knot in my stomach when people use them. I may say "darn", or something silly if I need to make a quick exclamation, but that's about it.

oh ok, thank you reformed and sunset! i get what you're saying now

Wendi:hug:

Welcome to the board! I'm rather new here myself. I too think that excessive cursing in everyday language is a sin and even if it's not a sin, we should refrain from it lest we offend, as others have pointed out.

I will pray that the Lord will guide you in your circumstance with your friend.

Rookie78

Thanks for the welcome and your prayer.:) Im glad to have found this board and am looking forward to learning more to help me through this walk of faith.

chele

I used to swear all the time before I was saved!! In fact, right around the time I came to Christ, I had a dream that Jesus was standing in front of me, but all my friends desserted me. I asked Him why and he said (in a very loving way) "It's because you curse too much". Then, I said I was sorry and He hugged me. I don't think I've ever felt such warmth and peace flow over me than at that time, both in the dream and when I awoke. I knew it was true & I knew i had to stop if I was ever going to be a good servant of the Lord.

Now, when I hear curse words, I almost cringe. I get a knot in my stomach when people use them. I may say "darn", or something silly if I need to make a quick exclamation, but that's about it.

Sapphire

I am truly amazed with your experience. It also feels good knowing that im not the only one that cringes.:pp Isnt it amazing how the holy spirit works in us.

Now, when I hear curse words, I almost cringe. I get a knot in my stomach when people use them. I may say "darn", or something silly if I need to make a quick exclamation, but that's about it.

I know exactly how you feel. I attend a public school, and people use filthy language all the time, even in class when they can get away with it.

Unfortunately, because I am exposed to it so often, I have almost started becoming numb to it. I attended a Christian school through 8th grade, but when I started my Freshman year in a public high school, I was shocked at how many people swore all the time. Now (I'm a Senior), I do still cringe at their language, but do not hate it like I used to or should. In fact, one of my best friends (non Christian) will casually swear and use other dirty language.

Fortunately, everyone who knows me knows that I don't swear. They know that I am a Christian, and that I listen exclusively to Christian music (which doesn't have any swearing). But even if I don't do it myself, I tolerate it too much around me.

You're doing the right thing. If your friend will not want to change her ways, then stay far away from her, or else your ears will become numb to it, and you may fall into it yourself.

I consider my language based on where I am and who I'm with. There are times I can be more lax than others. I also think somebody can very grievously sin against a person using the nicest and clean words possible, and that on the other end of the spectrum, someone can be very loving towards you using more "colorful" language. So my personal stance is one of .... ehhhh. I think language is just one more area where that little fruit called "self-control" comes into play. :)

I think some Christians don't understand what the Bible means when it says we were made in the image of Christ. To me, that means to be as much like Christ in every way, every day...The Bible doesn't give one account of Jesus using profanity!!! So, it makes me wonder when I hear Christians who have a mouth like this:
http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn201/cherylhebert/thBiteMe.jpg