Cussing vs the Anger Behind It - What's Actually Sin?

If you read my posts regularly, you know that I question everything and usually think outside of the box. This is a trait I've had as long as I can remember. 

This has led to many pet peeves and soapbox issues. 

One is about cussing. 

(Get ready... I'm now stepping on my soapbox and it will include some of the words I'm writing about.)

I believe that it's the attitude, not the word, that's important. "Bad words" are a product of society, not something that is inherently wrong. 

And I get SO TIRED of Christians apologizing when they cuss or judging others when they do. 

Maybe I missed the verse in the Bible that says, "Thou shalt not say shit, damn, or fuck or I won't love you and you won't be mine." 

I feel there's nothing different between saying "crap" when you stub your toe and saying "shit" after the same action. After all, don't they essentially mean the same thing?

And how can you generalize certain words in a language? What if an American Christian says "bloody hell?" Do you automatically think they need to repent? If you were in Britain, you might.

I do personally draw the line with including God or Jesus in cussing - or if you make it personal to someone else.

For example: "Damn you to hell" or simply "damn you" or even worse, "God damn" directed towards a person is not the same as only saying "damn." 

Yelling "Jesus" when a car jumps in front of you (unless you are just yelling an incredibly short prayer for help and safety), is not the same as yelling it when you are mad that your spouse didn't wash the dishes.

I'm not a Bible scholar but I have a feeling those would be instances of "taking the Lord's name in vain." Other random cuss words don't qualify under that commandment.

One more thing before I stop. I want to share one realization I recently made about this idea that upsets me more than what I've already talked about.

Christians who worry so much about hearing cuss words actually separate themselves from non-Christians.

I guess if you believe that it's wrong to go into a bar because there's drinking alcohol happening there or into a casino because people are gambling, then this argument will make no sense.

But if you believe that we are actually supposed to model what Jesus said and did, remember that He regularly hung out with "sinners" - those who do the things that Christians tend to judge the most harshly. There is nothing in me that believes that He would stay out of a bar or casino if  He thought someone there needed Him.

So, being "holier-than-thou" and not associating with people who cuss or saying that someone must not be a Christian because they cuss (and just who do you think you are to judge what has gone on in someone else's heart?!!!) keeps people from wanting to come to Christ.

Now, if you feel a personal conviction not to cuss, then don't. 

But, at the same time, don't tell others to stop if they cuss. For some, cussing is part of everyday language in their family, in their world. IT DOES NOT mean they are less of a person, less of a Christian.

If you believe John 3:16 - For God so loved THE WORLD..." then get off your high horse and start caring more about who a person is and what a person needs and not what they do.

(Getting off my soap-box now. Have a great rest of your day.)