Speaking with Care: What Christians Should Avoid Saying

Speak with Care: What Christians Should Avoid Saying

As Christians, we are called to embody Christ in everything we do, including our words. The Bible reminds us that our words hold incredible power and that we will be held accountable for every word we speak. Therefore, it is crucial that we know what not to say and practice speaking with care.

Why Words Matter

Proverbs 18:21 says, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits." Our words have the power to bring life or death, to encourage or discourage, to build up or tear down. Jesus himself warns us that we will be held accountable for every careless word we speak (Matthew 12:36).

Moreover, our words reveal the state of our hearts. Luke 6:45 says, "The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks." Therefore, we must not only be careful with our words but also examine our hearts to ensure that what we say aligns with what we believe and who we are in Christ.

What Not to Say

It is essential to know what not to say as Christians, as our words have the power to influence others and shape their perceptions of God. Here are some things Christians should avoid saying:

1. Gossip and Slander

Proverbs 16:28 says, "A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends." As Christians, we are called to love our neighbors as ourselves, and gossip and slander go against this commandment. When we speak negatively about others behind their backs, we are not only breaking God's commandment but also damaging our relationships with them.

Instead of gossiping and slandering, we should practice speaking well of others and confronting issues with them directly, in a spirit of love and humility (Matthew 18:15-17).

2. Profanity and Crude Language

Colossians 3:8 says, "But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth." As Christians, we are called to be set apart from the world and to reflect Christ's holiness in everything we do, including our language.

Using profanity and crude language not only goes against God's commandment to avoid obscenity but also damages our witness to others. We must strive to use language that is pure, uplifting, and edifying to others.

3. Judgmentalism and Criticism

Matthew 7:1-5 says, "Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log t...