Saturday, September 19, 2009

Foul Language vs. Strong Language

In our Ephesians study on Tuesday nights we came across this verse last week:
"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths." (4:29)
As we read on we are encouraged to build others up by giving them helpful words that will be a benefit.



A few verses later Paul writes:
"Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place." (5:4)
Destructive, obscene, vulgar, slanderous and contemptuous speech is forbidden because it is not the nature of God, and thus, not the nature of the people recreated in his image.

But, no where are we forbidden to use "strong language". The apostles, Jesus and the Word of God itself use strong language. Our challenge, if we are to follow suit, is to know what we are talking about and what we are saying. The power of strong language is the Truth that it communicates. Language is not "strong" just because it is loud, or shocking, or makes people feel uncomfortable. Strong language contains and communicates Truth. Indeed, in our culture it may need to be loud and it will most likely shock the hearers and make them uncomfortable. Remember, just because language is shocking and uncomfortable doesn't mean it is unwholesome, obscene, vulgar or inappropriate.

Speak the Truth with Wisdom!

Galyn Wiemers
http://www.generationword.com

Truth (from "Defending the Faith" series)

What makes me worthy to identify the Truth and expose the lie?

It is not my own righteousness, but the simple fact that the Truth exists. This portion of the debate is not about my character, but about the existence of Truth. My character (at this point of the argument) has nothing to do with identifying Truth.

Both, those who say there IS a standard of Truth and righteousness and those who say there IS NO standard of Truth and righteousness, find themselves sinning and doing wrong. The difference is that the first group has a standard to compare themselves to, but the second group really can not say they are sinners. They can not even say the first group is wrong since in their own philosophy they claim there are no standards. Thus, only the first group (those who hold to an absolute standard of Truth and righteousness) are logical.


Watch Video HERE (RealPlayer)



Galyn Wiemers
http://www.generationword.com