Swearing

Swearing, cussing, cursing, crude or foul language...it's all the same. And it's all nasty. Whatever you want to call it, I hate it. I feel so strongly about this that there will probably be several posts about it. Swearing is just so negative, it only  make me grumpy. I prefer to be around people who are uplifting, not constantly bringing me, and others, down.

There is a LOT of swearing at school. It is impossible for me to get through the day and not hear at least one bad word MINIMUM. And that is being optimistic. Usually I hear much, much more. I can't really express how much I dislike it.

The For the Strength of Youth pamphlet has a great section on language (which has some other great links and resources, by the way) -

"How you speak says much about who you are. Clean and intelligent language is evidence of a bright and wholesome mind. Use language that uplifts, encourages, and compliments others. Do not insult others or put them down, even in joking. Speak kindly and positively about others so you can fulfill the Lord’s commandment to love one another. When you use good language, you invite the Spirit to be with you.

Always use the names of God and Jesus Christ with reverence and respect. Misusing their names is a sin. Profane, vulgar, or crude language or gestures, as well as jokes about immoral actions, are offensive to the Lord and to others. Foul language harms your spirit and degrades you. Do not let others influence you to use it."

Isn't that great? "When you use good language, you invite the Spirit to be with you." Who doesn't want that? The Spirit helps guide us and comforts us. Conversely, "Foul language harms your spirit and degrades you." Nobody wants to be degraded. So we shouldn't use foul language.

I have heard the excuse swearing "is just words." No harm, it's just words....

Not true. Not true at all. When someone tells you they love you, is that just words, or does that have meaning? Doesn't being told you are loved inspire a feeling? Happiness, maybe? It works that same in reverse. Crude, degrading language brings you down. Words have power. There is proof of that everywhere.

If you have time, take a look and study James 3:2-13. It's pretty intense.

I know it is hard to stand out, to be that one kid who doesn't swear. But it is completely worth it. You are standing steadfast for what you believe in, and your example truly does influence others. There will always be those who ridicule you, that is inevitable. But it is not their opinion of you that matters. It is your Heavenly Father's opinion that matters.