lan Warner
Is Cursing a Sin? How do you Biblically Think About This? One of the interesting things about being a Christian is that we always want to know where the line is. People do this with sexual sin all of the time. People want to see where the line is and toe that line as best as possible. They ask questions like well, is kissing a sin? Is pornography a sin? Is masturbation a sin? The same is done when it comes to cursing and using foul language. The better way to look at it is to FLEE FROM SIN! You will see many Christians with different views on the question of cursing a sin. Let’s break this down!
What is Our Aim?
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me–put it into practice.” – Philippians 4
To answer this question, we first need to start and think about what our aim is. We aim to please the one who enlisted us, our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus is not fooled by our toeing the line because he cares about our hearts. So, if you are swearing regularly, the first question I would ask is, why?
We know that out of the heart, the mouth speaks. The book of James talks about the power of the tongue and how it’s small but mighty, like the rudder of a boat. This indicates the words we use and says do matter and should not be taken lightly.
Why is There So Much Debate Over This?
I think a massive part of the debate comes from legalism. Legalism is when Christians say you should not do things not written in the Bible. Legalism diminishes the finished work of Jesus on the Cross. Too many Christians believe in their works and not what Jesus did. There is no other Gospel besides the one that goes through the cross. In the book of Galatians, Paul drives this point home. We have freedom in Christ!
When some people hear of this freedom, they think to themselves well; I can do anything then, right? It does not matter what I do as long as I have Jesus. I believe this is true, but there is a trip up here. We are called not to make others stumble. So if someone has a mouth that sends them off the deep end, keeping our language clean can help a brother in Christ.
The grace of God abounds and will always be greater than anything we can do, which means that you don’t have to shove this down people’s throats. Some people will have a potty mouth. Instead of getting into an argument over there, keep pushing them toward the love of Christ and trust that the Spirit of God will change them.
I have Seen The Power of The Spirit With Swearing.
Is Cursing a Sin? How to Biblically Think About This
I have a good friend that I grew up with in Toronto. One of the things that always blew my mind about him was how much he cursed. He swore more than anyone I have ever been around. I never let it affect me, though. I am grounded in my faith, and I know I can talk with Him and not allow his mouth to bring me down, not because of my strength but because of the power of the Spirit in me. The Spirit led me to be his friend for a reason, and I have spent over ten years being a witness to him. He has said some hurtful things about the faith and Jesus, but I stuck with him.
He eventually wanted to start reading the Bible. He wanted to dive deeper into the church, build community, and finally accept Jesus as his Lord and Savior. After that happened, something began to happen that you know can only be the Holy Spirit; he began swearing less. All of a sudden, he became aware of his swearing. I get no credit for any of this! God had just put it on his heart that he needed to swear less, and he would catch himself when he would slip up.
None of this occurred from me beating him up about his swearing. Christians are too obsessed with behavior change instead of pointing people to who Jesus Christ is; people want you to work on cleaning your act up.
Do You Believe in The Power of The Spirit?
When people focus on behavior change regarding things like swearing, I have realized that the real problem is that they don’t believe in the power of the Spirit of God. They don’t think the Holy Spirit can change people, so they try and change them instead. You don’t need to do this! You have to get people to believe in the finished work of the Cross and then trust the work that God does to be all that is needed.
The Spirit of God is all that you need to produce a change in people. Similar to salvation, no work is required. You have to trust in the creation of Jesus Christ. Do you believe that?
If you do, you will see evidence of it in your own life. You will have an obsession with Jesus instead of your ability to control outcomes. You will not worry and be able to trust the Lord with all your heart! Too often, we ask if cursing is a sin or look to other things instead of trusting the Holy Spirit to convict and change us.
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