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The following comes from the devotional book “What Now?” by Ashley Akers. To learn more, go to www.whatnowdevo.com.

Bad Language

In my mind, bad language can be a couple of different things: cussing and tearing down others. Bad language seemed routine to me since my father used bad words very frequently during my childhood. And usually cussing was paired with tearing people down. It seems Dad thought cussing was the only way to get people to behave the way he wanted. While I never picked up the cussing habit, I did catch on to tearing others down. Why?

Because hurt people, hurt people.

But I have come to realize that I am responsible for my mouth. No. Matter. What. If others upset me, I am responsible for my response. People’s actions do not dictate my reactions, even though it is easiest to place the blame on someone else.

Thankfully the Bible specifically addresses bad language and why it should not be used.

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. (Ephesians 4:29)

Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. (Ephesians 5:4)

Using bad language is not an encouragement to others and it isn’t helpful! Ever.          

Think for a moment. Would you rather be torn down or built up? I believe it is safe to say encouragement is preferred by all people. If you have been torn down, extend grace and forgive. Have you ever heard the phrase, “think before you speak?” One Sunday when my pastor was preaching he gave this T.H.I.N.K before you speak acrostic:

Is what you are about to say…(in person or online)…

                             T – True

                             H – Helpful

                             I – Important

                             N – Necessary

                             K – Kind

I challenge you to use this method the next time you start to speak negatively in any way. Is what you are about to say true, is it helpful, is it important, is it necessary or is it kind? If you answer “no” to any of those questions, I would encourage you to refrain! It will be hard, but it’s worth it!

Reflection Questions

1.       Do you have trouble thinking before you speak? How does the T.H.I.N.K. acrostic help you?

2.       What does the phrase, “I am responsible for my response” mean to you?

3.       Do you blame others for your reactions to them? (Ex: She made me angry, so I yelled at her.)

Copyright © 2024 by Ashley Akers @ whatnowdevo.com. No part of this article may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from Lifeword.org