I have been thinking about this lately. What about cursing? I know a few people who genuinely have a relationship with Christ but use some curse words now and again. I find this offensive and generally say something but what does the Bible say about this? I would like to give them some direction as to what our Father says so they will think twice about what comes out of their mouth.
Using coarse language is such a deeply ingrained habit in some people that they don’t realize they’re still using it even after they become believers. It’s the same with dirty jokes, off color remarks, gossip, and other hold overs from their unbelieving days.
In Ephesians 4:29 Paul wrote, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
And in Phil 3:20 he said we should try to live up to what we’ve already attained. What we’ve already attained is membership in the ultimate royal family, having become children of the King of the Universe (Galatians 4:4-7). Paul said our behavior should serve to elevate the behavior of others.
We should also remember that sometimes when we think we’re just offering constructive criticism other people will take offense, especially if they don’t think we have the right to correct them. Doing something like this in love and having it received the way we intend it requires an extra measure of tact and diplomacy, so choose your words carefully.