There is a popular Christian t-shirt with the following phrase on it: I Love Jesus But I Cuss a Little.
It’s a brilliant marketing move. I am certain that thousands of shirts have been sold.
On one hand, it states, “I am not perfect and will not judge you!”
Who wants to be considered a hypocritical judge?
On the other hand, I Love Jesus But I Cuss a Little, provides built-in justification for sloppy behavior, a lazy vocabulary, and an excuse for stagnant sanctification.
Should Christians regularly use cuss words? Is profanity sinful?
I love Jesus but I cuss a little, on a t-shirt could be an effective gospel conversation starter. As Christians, our goal is to be more like Christ each day. There is zero Biblical evidence that Jesus used salty language in an attempt to fit in with the crowd. Words are powerful. Our speech should always be gracious, seasoned with salt, and not simply salty.
Becoming more like Jesus is challenging.
Sin savagely fights eviction. The eradication of sin, even minor sin, involves an element of suffering (I Peter 4:1).
Our first defense is typically to justify our language.
Is Cussing Sinful?
Many believe that words are simply words — they are neutral. That might sound valid philosophically but it is actually post-modern psycho babble.
Paul, the author of Colossians, instructs us to rid ourselves of obscene speech. Obviously, then, there are obscene words.
Colossians 3:8 But now you also, rid yourselves of all of them: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene speech from your mouth.
The word obscene is loosely defined as morally repugnant and offensive. Our words can be repugnant, offensive, and culturally reprehensible.
Our words also have consequences.
As Christians, we should strive to speak in a manner that honors God and His creation.
What About New Christians
Max Lucado — “God loves you just the way you are, but He refuses to leave you that way. He wants you to be just like Jesus.”
God immediately begins working in us both to will and do of His good pleasure (Philippians 2:13). We also have a part to play in this process (Philippians 2:12).
God provides His grace (Titus 2:12) and we, through His Spirit, get to work on the areas that need special attention (2 Corinthians 7:1).
Sanctification is a never-ending process. Don’t become discouraged if you feel things are taking longer than you expected.
God knows exactly where we need the most work. Trust Him to convict where and when necessary and then act upon that conviction with vengeance (Romans 8:13).
This is your walk with Him. Resist comparing your progress with others.
Often, we focus on the external sin (cussing) when that is just the fruit of something deeper.
The Real Issue Underneath Profanity
Matthew 12:34 (ESV) You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.
Matthew 15:18-19 (NIV) But the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these defile them. For out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander.
The sin that is in our hearts will eventually come out of our mouths in some way. It could be in the use of profanity. Perhaps it will emerge as malice, slander, or gossip.
The problem is our heart. Our hearts require constant attention.
Full disclosure: I on occasion will let a bad word fly. It typically happens when I am angry or frustrated. Trimming those words from my vocabulary is part of the process.
What I really need to do though is dig out that root.
If you have ever weeded a flowerbed you know exactly what I mean. Unless the invader is pulled out from the roots it will reappear.
It’s no different with our language.
So long as the root remains intact the fruit of that sin will eventually find its way from the abyss of our heart and into the light.
Karen, Stop Clutching Your Pearls
Perhaps cussing has never been an issue for you. If that’s the case thank God for His grace in your life in that particular area.
You would do well to extend grace to those who are currently in that battle.
Stop condemning new Christians when they reflexively use four-letter words. You are not the Holy Spirit. You cannot convict and definitely cannot provide grace to fight sin.
How about you pray for that brother or sister?
Swearing Saints
As professing Christians we should be in battle against the use of profanity. Justifying a lazy and profane vocabulary will not help us vanquish that particular sin.
We must find in the Word where filthy language is considered sinful and then be open to conviction from the Holy Spirit.
Ephesians 5:4-6 (NIV) Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk, or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this, you can be sure: No immoral, impure, or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient.
We are put on notice for obscenity, foolish talking, and coarse joking. What are the consequences of such behavior? No inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and the wrath of God!
It’s quite serious.
What should we do when this sin is exposed to us?
Confess and Forsake Sin
We work through profanity just like any other sin that is exposed inside of us.
I John 1:9 (ESV) If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Confession is the first step in getting this out of our lives. Immediately confess the sin and ask for forgiveness.
We need to add another step in the process, though.
Proverbs 28:13 Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.
It’s vital that we forsake our sins as well. This is where things can get tough.
If we’re waiting for God to take away the sin without any effort on our part we’re mistaken. We need God’s grace to empower us for the work of forsaking. Here’s another great article on the Power of God’s Grace that you will enjoy!
Profane Pastors
I’ve recently heard of a trend where pastors are using profanity from the pulpit. I’ve not witnessed this myself, thankfully.
This trend is troubling.
If your pastor is using profanity in a sermon it is a major red flag. These situations should not be overlooked or ignored. Immediate attention is required.
There is a caveat, however. The Prophet Ezekiel used extremely graphic language in some of his messages. It’s uncomfortable, yet contextually accurate. Doug Wilson clearly outlines the distinction between vulgarity and swearing and how these are used in the Bible without contradiction.
Bible Verses About Cussing
Ephesians 4:29 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.
Matthew 12:36-37 I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.
James 1:26 If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless.
Proverbs 4:24 Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips.
James 3:9-11 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it, we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. Can both fresh water and saltwater flow from the same spring?
The Defense Rests Your Honor
It’s easy for us to justify our sin and protect our “rights” to use profanity. We do it all of the time and apparently, pastors in some churches are leading the charge in abhorrent behavior.
Jesus went way beyond the letter of the law in the Sermon on the Mount. His standards are way higher than we know.
Murder is now equal to anger and adultery with second glances. We certainly should never blaspheme. That’s a given. However, now we’re being held accountable for careless words. foolish talk, and off-color jokes.
God takes our words seriously.
I encourage you to dig deep into the Good Book for yourself. Ask God to work in your heart in this area.
Seasoned With Salt or Just Salty
I will leave you with one more verse for your consideration pertaining to cussing.
Colossians 4:5-6 Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.
The words we use matter. Outsiders are watching what we do and what we say. Let’s make sure that we’re representing the Kingdom well.
Heaven and hell could be on the line.
An I Love Jesus But I Cuss A Little t-shirt could be used effectively as a gospel tool. Proceed with caution, grace, and the power of the Holy Spirit.
Blessings!
Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.