Whenever I hear someone use the Lord's name in vain, I feel sad for them and remember Jesus on the cross asking God to forgive them because they don't know what they are doing.
When my younger brother would lose his temper and swear, I never let it "slide". Instead, I would ask, "Why do you pray that God/Jesus would damn or destroy what you are working on?" or "You don't want to get God involved because when he damns something it stays cursed."
On one occasion my brother was working on his dirt bike that would not start. My brother proceeded to lose it and threw his wrench down onto the concrete in rage while yelling, "G.. dammit!". The wrench deflected off the concrete and cracked the case of his motorcycle. Me being young and annoying, asked my brother, "Why not ask God to bless it instead? You may find life goes much better if you do that." I left him to think about it.
Another time, my brother responded with, "What are you talking about? I am not praying!"
I would continue, "When ever you use the name of God or Jesus, you are praying. Instead of asking for destruction, why not ask for God to bless it instead or give you patience & help find the problem?"
As we grew up, I noticed he stopped using God or Jesus name in anger.
A winsome response has worked well for me over the years: the reply to the cursor: oh! That’s my Lord and Savior! Do you know Him? It has opened doors to share the gospel and closed embarrassed mouths more often than not.
Could “judge not” be censorship to keep Christians quiet and allow people to push horrific money making schemes like sterilization, foreign worker programs that put citizens and workers into poverty, ….
Seeing the title enticed me to read and see what you were going to be talking about. Your thoughts were well stated and I agree. Blasphemers don't recognize the gravity of their words and leave me shaking my head.
Whenever I hear someone use the Lord's name in vain, I feel sad for them and remember Jesus on the cross asking God to forgive them because they don't know what they are doing.
When my younger brother would lose his temper and swear, I never let it "slide". Instead, I would ask, "Why do you pray that God/Jesus would damn or destroy what you are working on?" or "You don't want to get God involved because when he damns something it stays cursed."
On one occasion my brother was working on his dirt bike that would not start. My brother proceeded to lose it and threw his wrench down onto the concrete in rage while yelling, "G.. dammit!". The wrench deflected off the concrete and cracked the case of his motorcycle. Me being young and annoying, asked my brother, "Why not ask God to bless it instead? You may find life goes much better if you do that." I left him to think about it.
Another time, my brother responded with, "What are you talking about? I am not praying!"
I would continue, "When ever you use the name of God or Jesus, you are praying. Instead of asking for destruction, why not ask for God to bless it instead or give you patience & help find the problem?"
As we grew up, I noticed he stopped using God or Jesus name in anger.
A winsome response has worked well for me over the years: the reply to the cursor: oh! That’s my Lord and Savior! Do you know Him? It has opened doors to share the gospel and closed embarrassed mouths more often than not.
Could “judge not” be censorship to keep Christians quiet and allow people to push horrific money making schemes like sterilization, foreign worker programs that put citizens and workers into poverty, ….
Excellent food for thought. I am guilty of thoughtless exclamations.
I like your note, Chris. No analysis paralysis in your words, that is good.
Well said Chris! Don't stop writing these articles and telling the truth. I found this one particularly powerful. Gary
Seeing the title enticed me to read and see what you were going to be talking about. Your thoughts were well stated and I agree. Blasphemers don't recognize the gravity of their words and leave me shaking my head.