It is a known fact that women score higher in English and literature than men do. On average, men are usually better with math and computation. God made women to have amazing abilities. One of those abilities is our ability to speak and communicate. So, I ask you…are you using your “gift of gab” for good?

Cursing

I think a lot of people don’t realize that the bible does actually talk about bad language. People don’t really realize how serious it actually is. A lot of them just think of what they say as “just words” and that it really doesn’t really matter. But as a Christian, it really does matter.

Ephesians 4:29, 31 says: “Let no corrupt communication proceed from your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers….Let al bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.”

Colossians 3:8 says: “But now you must also put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth.”....

God does not want us to use foul language. Think for a moment: Can you see Jesus saying, “I’m so p***** off!” or, “**** You!”. Be honest with yourself. I don’t think any of us can. We’re supposed to be showing the world to Jesus. He definitely would not talk that way. The language we use is one of the biggest ways we show the world we are different.

Matthew 5:14-16 says, “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your father in heaven.”

It doesn’t specifically mention our language in that verse…but, you can see that God expects us to be different-and that includes the words we use. Believe or not, people will notice how different you are by how you speak.

I know a girl named “Ellie” who had another girl named “Sharon” mention to her once that she thought she was cool. Why? It was because the girl didn’t use bad language. Ellie had no clue that anyone had noticed. Sharon told her that she was smart and impressed by her for saying how she really felt rather than expressing it through cursing. When Ellie had mentioned this to her father, her father said that it’s possible that other people are noticing too. People WILL notice if you talk differently. When you are truly trying to live for Christ, other people will notice. Why? The bible says it will…as we just read in Matthew 5:14-16

Gossip

What is gossip?

I think many people don’t have a full understanding of what gossip completely is. Gossip is talking about someone behind their back thoughtlessly, saying things you would never say to their face. It’s not necessarily lying about someone. A lot of girls gossip because they....

a) are angry with someone.

b) are bored.

c) don’t have anything better to do.

d) it’s fun.

The bible talks about gossip, too. In Romans 1:28-32 it says:

“And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; being filled with all unrighteousness…deceit, evil mindedness, they are whisperers , backbiters….who, knowing the righteous judgement of God , that those who practice such things are worthy of death not only do the same, but also approve of those who practice them.”

In the New King James Version, the word “whisperers” means “gossipers”. See what it says in the end of the verse? Those who gossip and approve of it (and other things I chose not to put down) are worthy of death!

We need to remember that words hurt. Unless those words being used could be beneficial to the person (Ephesians 4:29) we should avoid idle talking and thoughtless talking about others. Remember: “Do unto others that you would have them do unto you.” (Matthew 7:12). Plus, thoughtless or angry talking isn’t loving. We’re supposed to love others. (1st John 4:7-8) Talking bad about them, or telling their business isn’t loving; no matter what they may have done.

If you’re doing it to get revenge on that person, don’t do it. Romans 12:19 says: “Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written. Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” Vengeance belongs to the Lord, not us.

Dirty Jokes....

I don’t need any examples for this one. When you are with your friends, it’s possible that a sex joke will come up. You’ve probably laughed along with them from time to time. Are they really okay or not?....

As Christians, we are supposed to keep our thoughts clean. We aren’t supposed to have sexual thoughts until marriage with our spouse. Sex jokes encourage these thoughts. Proverbs 23:7 says: “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.” Plus as Ephesians 4:20 says, our words should be uplifting. Sex jokes are definitely not uplifting in the way God wants us to be uplifted. How are we being uplifting if we are being a stumbling block for others? In other words, causing others to sin. (1st John 2:10).

Dirty jokes cause us to think of sinful things when we’re supposed to be thinking of good things. Phillipians 4:8 says: “Finally bretheren, whatever things are true, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue, nad if there is anything praiseworthy, think on these things.”


Respect for God’s Name

It’s often that I hear the Lord’s name being used in a way it shouldn’t be. Taking the Lord’s name means that you are using God’s name thoughtlessly, and as an exclamation. In the bible, we see that God’s name is treated with respect. Do you ever see anyone in the New or Old testament throwing God’s name around?

God’s name is to be respected. Exclaiming “Oh my God!”, saying “Thank God!” thoughtlessly; saying “Oh Lord!” thoughtlessly; Or more popular, “OMG!” is disrespectful him…because we are saying it thoughtlessly and unreverantly. We're supposed to fear God and respect him. That's not very respectful to God, is it? We should only say it when we are actually talking about him or to him. (Exodus 20:7)

In the end, we need to strive to think before we speak; and ask ourselves what would be the Godly thing to do or say. I like to remember the words from this song:

“May my steps be worship
May my thoughts be praise
May my words bring honor to your name!”

Here’s another thought: As a cute little rabbit once said in Bambi: “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.”