[NeedKarma]

Before I was a Christian I knew a good word from a bad word because I had a conscience. Then when I became a Christian, God begin to clean up my use of "slangs." No one person had to tell me.

Just curious, how did God clean up your slang?

[rnrg]

Just curious, how did God clean up your slang?

God's Holy Spirit that lives inside a believer convicted me each time that I would say a particular "slang," not to mention anything else that did not line up with what God says. That is part of having a relationship with God. God is without sin, and He expects and expected me to live my life in a way that would bring Him glory. Every believer goes through the same thing. Everything matters to God and that includes our speech.

It didn't happen overnight, but it did happen.

[NeedKarma]

Interesting. I don't have voices in my head but I still self-moderate.

[DrJ]

I can agree with you that corrupt communication is achieved in much more ways.

I have not chosen any words, though. Before I was a Christian I knew a good word from a bad word because I had a conscience. Then when I became a Christian, God begin to clean up my use of "slangs." No one person had to tell me.

Also, if there was nothing wrong with these "bad" words, why would we tell our children not to say them. Is there a time in their young life that we will later tell them that it is okay. Society is not the only one that says these words are wrong. God may not have listed each one but he does know the intent of a person's heart when they say them. The verses below were written by God. When we become Christians, the Holy Spirit makes sure we are aware when we say something offensive, whether it is a sarcastic remark, a "curse" word, being rude, or insensitive. This includes filthy talking. In God's eyes, it is wrong.

Colossians 3:8) KJV “But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.”

I do know that as a Christian we should watch our language because we are representing God. Here are several verses that God has given us that I try to live by.

Ephesians 4:29) KJV “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.”

Ephesians 5:4) KJV “Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.”

(Matthew 5:16) KJV “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

(Matthew 15:11) Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.

(Matthew 7:18) KJV “A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.”

We are known by our fruits. As Christians we should not be known by fruits of foul speech.
Again, this is the way by which I live. No one has to agree with me or even be offended. But, Christians were asked to respond to this post. In the end, it is I that will have to stand before God and give an account of every idle word that I have said. Just another note, there are both believers and non-believers that choose not to use bad language.
Mine is because of God's word. Please understand that nothing that I have said was meant as offensive. For me, it is wrong.

No worries.. nothing was taken offensively... good ol' wholesome discussion is all :D

You asked, "if there was nothing wrong with these "if there was nothing wrong with these " words, why would we tell our children not to say them?" And I have to ask the same thing? Why is that? Is it really because there is something wrong with this words? Or is it because at some point some highbrows elites thought them inappropriate while sipping tea... along with dipping your scone in jam or eating with your gloves on.

All of these things we are warned not to do in the verses you gave can be accomplished with the very vocabulary that you, yourself, uses. Filthiness, vileness, corruption, ignorance, jest, foolishness and whatever else is spread every day using words that are " words, why would we tell our children not to say them?".

I liked this:

When we become Christians, the Holy Spirit makes sure we are aware when we say something offensive, whether it is a sarcastic remark, a "socially acceptable" word, being rude, or insensitive. This includes filthy talking.

With or without the Holy Spirit, we do all have a conscience, which should tell us the same thing. We know when we are saying something meant to be offensive, sarcastic, rude, insensitive, or filthy. Whether we use "curse" words to say such things, doesn't really matter, although, the use of "those" words can make such things more impactful/influential/effective.

So if God knows your heart, He must know when the use of those words are not meant to be offensive, sarcastic, rude, insensitive, or filthy... but rather used to make something more impactful/influential/effective.

I think there are proper and improper ways to use a lot of words. And a lot of those words are socially acceptable language still. But there are those other ones that simply aren't acceptable regardless.

For example, I don't let my daughter use cuss words.. but I also don't let her use the word "those". Not that these words are forbidden but they, like other words, carry a lot of power. Once she understands the meaning and power of such words, along with the consequences of their misuse, she is well within her right to use them. Of course, if she misuses them, she'll have to "hate" the consequences :D

[mugger]

I have a pretty thick skin as you probably know. Words don't offend me. HOWEVER I am teaching my kids what I have been taught: overuse of standard swearing words reveals a lack of vocabulary and a generalized problem with socializing with others.

Nice answer!

[simoneaugie]

The funny thing is that, if your conception of God is truly everywhere and everything, He/She is not only the inventor of the F word, He/She is the word itself. Therefore, anything you do is a creation of the ultimate creator, even saying bad words.

We are given free will but that doesn't mean that our will is not also that of our creator. How could we have free will if our every word and action was not supported by "God?" It's about making choices. The choices that show respect and caring for those around us are the choices that move us closer to what we really are.

Choosing to show respect and caring to those around me sometimes involves participating in slang usage. Sometimes, or perhaps all the time it involves complete and total acceptance of a person, exactly as she is; not as how a certain "truth" says she "should" be.

"People will say the wrong thing. You just have to remember that they meant to say the right thing. It allows you to be so much more gracious."

[N0help4u]

Okay ready for this?

I rarely listen to Joel Osteen but one day I happened to stop changing the channel and listen to his sermon. He was talking about the root meaning of 'taking offense'
It was exactly how I see it. When you get offended you are the one taking that upon yourself. The other person walks off fine in their own eyes and you are the one that leaves carrying the burden of accepting the offense because YOU TOOK offense. You walk away with it being your problem because you are STILL offended by it.
His sermon was way more indepth but basically that is it.

I have been through too much in life and seen and heard it all and so nothing shocks or offends me. That doesn't mean that I don't have an opinion on their behavior. Like if they have to repeatedly use cuss words to express their anger or what they want to say it shows me something about them. Like they claim that people who use cuss words to describe everything maybe have a limited vocabulary (as Needkarna pointed out), or maybe they have a poor outlook on life, or they don't know how to cope, but it DOES show something about them generally.

On the other hand I also agree that taking offense shows something about the ones that get offended,
Like
Sheltered life
Or
Self righteous
Pious
Snouty, uppity ups

[N0help4u]

It's about making choices. The choices that show respect and caring for those around us are the choices that move us closer to what we really are.

Choosing to show respect and caring to those around me sometimes involves participating in slang usage. Sometimes, or perhaps all the time it involves complete and total acceptance of a person, exactly as she is; not as how a certain "truth" says she "should" be.

"People will say the wrong thing. You just have to remember that they meant to say the right thing. It allows you to be so much more gracious."

Greenie
But with the last sentence I don't think it is so much that they meant to say the right thing as it is that we just reword it in our head with our own words and just accept how they said what they said knowing we understand what they meant.

[paraclete]

There is no need to use these words in general speech, but they have entered the language because its cool to be a shock jock or shock jill. Actually its not cool just immature as anyone who has watched that idiot chef Ramsey on TV would know, it just makes you look like a raving maniac. I found that when I truly became a christian I was delivered of using such language, now I think it's apparent that the Holy Spirit set the standard and we Christians should follow the example of Jesus who used wit instead cussing to get the point across

[Chey5782]

Excon, I am coming to realize you like to stir that pot so the sh*t don't stick to the bottom! Hahahaha

But in all seriousness, as a pagan there are certain traditions of my faith that hold very STRONGLY that words do have power. Even a mildly spoken curse can be considered just that. I was taught to always be mindful of what you say.

[N0help4u]

Yep but
That is the thing you were delivered from it but most people don't even realize they need 'delivered'.

[N0help4u]

Excon, I am coming to realize you like to stir that pot so the sh*t don't stick to the bottom! hahahaha

But in all seriousness, as a pagan there are certain traditions of my faith that hold very STRONGLY that words do have power. Even a mildly spoken curse can be considered just that. I was taught to always be mindful of what you say.

NOW you are stealing away MY thunder
EX will tell you I

Tropical Storm
Answerway.com

I STIR the Gumbo!!!!!

[Synnen]

Yep but
That is the thing you were delivered from it but most people don't even realize they need 'delivered'.

Or most people DON'T need "delivered".

What is offensive to one person (or one person's god) is not necessarily offensive to another person (or THEIR god).

[N0help4u]

Yep only Christians NEED 'delivered' if you really think about it.

[Chey5782]

That's not true! I want my creamsicles delivered from the Schwans guy!!

[simoneaugie]

There is no need to use these words in general speech, but they have entered the language because its cool to be a shock jock or shock jill. Actually its not cool just immature as anyone who has watched that idiot chef Ramsey on TV would know, it just makes you look like a raving maniac. I found that when I truly became a christian I was delivered of using such language, now I think it's apparent that the Holy Spirit set the standard and we Christians should follow the example of Jesus who used wit instead cussing to get the point across

While I respect you opinion, do not assume that I use dirty words to shock or because I am immature. Nor am I a raving maniac, which is what your words imply. When Jock and Jill use the words first in a conversation and are comfortable with them then I will use those words too out of respect for their acceptance and understanding of them.

Someone who is delivered from using such language may need to use wit. Wit is kindness when used correctly. Judgement is not wit, it is cruel and ostracizing. I guess you didn't understand a word of what I wrote. You just simply slammed and put down everyone who uses slang. WWJD?

[N0help4u]

My apologies Chey

Sorry this is the best I could do

Yahoo! Image Detail for http://jacksicecream.net/i/truck.jpg make sure you have the speakers on

[Chey5782]

For shizzle! I LIKE chef Ramsey. I also like people who don't come across as total idiots, so what does that say about personal preferences. DONG! Hit it on the head! This is actually about preferences, Christianity is just a REASON to act in regard to this in a positive or negative manner. What about being deaf? Does cussing at a deaf person who has no clue what you are saying make it more or less relevant?

[excon]

Hello again:

I swear a lot. But, it's been 15 years since I swore at somebody.

But, back to the WORDS. It's true. I COULD use others, but sometimes THOSE words are the perfect ones to use. You can call it passing gas, or breaking wind... But sometimes you just have to call it a fart. Now, I don't know whether that's a swear word to you, or whether it's offensive or not. I don't know about you, but fart jokes are still funny. Besides, you still haven't told me whether freakin or fricken are just fine, but another spelling isn't.

That's all I want to know.

excon

[N0help4u]

I thought frickin was the word the ones that get offended use to be polite...
You know like oops that frickin poot I just let out is soooo embarrassing
Hmmmm I wonder WHO all really talk like that??
I know in Texas they call bars Ice houses and this big biker dude told me that was drinking in the ice house another big biker dude said ''oops I pooted''.
I ROTFLMAO picturing a big biker dude saying that.