No, really. We don’t swear. Not when we’re angry, not when we’re frustrated, not when we’re sad,excited or overjoyed. We just don’t. I was brought up in a home where my parents did not use tasteless language. I think the first time I heard my Dad swear I was about 16…. and it felt pretty awkward. Sure, I tried it as a kid. But it’s never felt right or beautiful or wholesome. It’s never put me or anyone else for that mater in a more powerful position. It’s never enabled me to express myself in a way that I couldn’t have done otherwise.

I loathe that it’s become such a big part of language, the way it’s thrown into blogs and all over social media, the way people don’t even care anymore if children are around. We wanted to watch a movie a little while ago and decided against it because when we worked it out, it had close on three expletives EVERY MINUTE!! I hate that society has become so comfortable with something so tasteless.

I know that I am the minority and probably considered a bit of a loser to many for feeling this way, I know that there are bigger problems out there. But I also know that I am raising two little girls to behave as a princess would. To behave in a way that would be fit for a King. Ultimately, to behave in a way that is pleasing to Jesus.

Should Christians swear?

I believe that as followers of Christ, we should aspire every day and in every way to be just that, a true follower. A big part of Christianity is obedience. Obeying God and ALL of His Word, not just the parts that we feel ‘fit our lifestyle’.

So, when faced with a question like this, when it is something that everyone around us is doing and it kinda seems ok, how should we respond? We start by asking ourselves this, what does the Bible say about this situation?

And, what does the Bible say about swearing?

Well, the Bible actually makes it clear as day. Swearing is a sin. Ephesians 4:29 says, “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.” Does our use of vulgar language do this? Does it build others up, does it encourage them?

James 3:9-12 says “With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? Can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.”

You see, as a follower of Christ we cannot be dwelling in hateful speech and be full of praise at the same time. When we choose to follow Christ, we choose to be transformed. We choose to give ourselves fully to Him. This doesn’t mean that we are now little-miss-goodie-two-shoes walking around with everything right in our world. Not at all… rather, we are living for something bigger, choosing to be a part of something far greater than we could ever imagine. We are relying, every step of the way, on God’s strength and on His grace as we navigate the world and all of it’s challenges. We are choosing to make much of Him and to let go of everything that is not true, noble, right and pure (Philippians 4:8). When our hearts are filled with the goodness of God, praise for Him and love for others will pour forth. Our speech will always indicate what is in our hearts and as people, made in the image of God, that speech should always be good and gentle, loving and kind.