Is it okay for Christians to cuss? “Elephants in the Room” is an annual sermon series where we face tough topics and sensitive subjects head on. In this message, Lead Pastor Jamie Nunnally applies grace and truth to this topic. 

The suitability of words is subjective, not objective. There is some salty language in the Bible (OT stories, Paul calls his righteousness “dung”)

Different kinds of bad words: 

1. Obscenities & vulgarities. These deal with inappropriate sexual stuff or indecent bodily functions. 

2. Expletives. Words added to a sentence for emphasis, but unnecessary for the meaning. 

3. Blasphemy. Religious words that treat the sacred as profane.

What does the Bible say about our words?

1. What you say is important.

Proverbs 18:21 (the grow up verse) “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” NKJV  

“The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.” NLT

Psalm 141:3 “Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips.”

2. Obscene talk is inappropriate for a Jesus-follower.

Ephesians 4:29 “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.”

Words are like bricks: they can build a home or break a window – it depends on how you use them.

You may have made it through the day without dropping the f-bomb, but if you gossiped, slandered, or spoke harshly to another, you used “corrupt” words.

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

Don’t let your tongue contradict your testimony. People won’t listen to a Christian that doesn’t sound like Christ. 

3. Your words reveal your heart.

Luke 6:45 (“Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.” NKJV)

What would you think about someone who uses the same language you do?

4. You will deal with your words your whole life. 

James 3:7-10 

Taming your tongue is a daily task. 

James 1:26“If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless.”

Since we are the body of Christ, we are also His mouth. 

How to stop using bad language:

1. Stop hearing it. 

Proverbs 4:23

You will be full of what you feed on and your input determines our output. 

2. Deal with the underlying issues.

Bad language is often used to convey anger.

Ephesians 4:26“…don’t sin by letting anger control you.”

When your anger determines your word choices, your anger is in charge.

3. Ask for help.1 John 5:14-15 

Will you allow the Lord to clean up your language?