"It is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person." (Matthew 15:11) We must watch our words every day, because it is such an easy sin to fall into. I am speaking about our words. We know not to curse, and many people have different views of which words are curse words (only certain words, anything you couldn't say in a PG 13 movie, anything you wouldn't say in front of a Kindergartner, etc.) but it does not matter which words we agree upon or not. Ephesians 4:29 says, "let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear it."
I am known by most of my friends for never cussing, and I plan to keep it that way; but I am speaking about the attitude of our language. If I say something negative out of spite or unrighteous anger, just to tear someone down or make myself feel better, it is just as bad as dropping the "F" bomb. Ephesians 5:4 says, "let there be no filthiness or foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving." A derogatory joke, sexist, racist, or otherwise, is just as bad as a slur of the worse language known to man. Inappropriate comments, crude pick up lines, and anything that is rude or shameful is just as bad as cursing. Our mouths are gifts from God and we should use them as such.
Exodus 20:7 says, "you shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who holds Him in vain." So the new phrases of "oh my gosh" are fine, until you replace "gosh" with "God." Our language is serious to God, as it should be. A person judges you upon your actions, and your speaking shows action. If you come off as making racist remarks, such as calling someone a "Jew" in a derogatory manner, or sexist jokes about women belonging in the kitchen, how will they be able to believe you when you say that the love of God loves everyone equally? If you cuss up a storm, how will you be able to say that God sets you apart from the world or fills you with His love that can overcome hatred?
Colossians 4:6 says, "let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each other." Proverbs 17:27 says, "whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding." We must learn when to speak and when not to speak; and when we speak, our language must be able to build others up and be positive. That does not mean be an annoying ball of sunshine that is constantly overly positive; but it means we have no reason to be negative.
We are promised Heaven and life abundantly in Christ. What do we have to be negative about? We are filled with God's love, why should we judge people upon race or gender? We have a love that overcomes all, why would we turn to foul language that brings forth anger? We have Christ, why would we need to be negative?
Colossians 3:8-10 says, "but now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator." We have no reason to turn to foul language of any kind because we are being made new in Christ. We must not turn back to old ways, but speak God's love so that we may open the doors to sharing His gospel to everyone that we speak to. Our language reflects what we believe. Let's represent Christ well.
-D
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