Welcome to Living Waters, a new podcast hosted by Ray Comfort, Emeal (“E.Z.”) Zwayne, Mark Spence and Oscar Navarro. In each episode, they will guide discussions alongside various special guests to explore pressing questions of our day with sound theology and apologetics!

On today’s episode, the guys are back to discuss the controversial topic of swearing among Christians. Colossians 3:8 says “We are to put off filthy language out of our mouth.”  Many people argue that there is no such thing as filthy language and words are what you make of them. However, a Christian does not talk like the world and there must be filthy language in order for God’s word to be true. The author Tim Shorey points out that we can curse and profane without even using a cuss word. For example, diminishing the image bearing qualities of another person by mocking them. We are profane when we fail to revere God’s holiness, honor His law, fear His justice, respect the image in others or gratefully enjoy His creation. Rather than certain words, profanity is how we treat, talk about or fail to have reverence or enjoy people God has created.

We chose this topic today because it is something happening within the church and among pastors. Not using filthy language is a perfect opportunity for us Christians to show that we are different from the rest of the world. Instead of attacking a new believer for their choice of language, God urges us to show them the way more accurately. Jesus said every idle word a man speaks, he will account for on judgement day. We should train our children to honor the Lord from the get go. Then, they discuss the profanity of using God’s name in vain.

In closing, we are reminded that being a Christian is a sanctifying process which sets us apart from the world. We should be patient with others and observe the progress which is happening with them. Our mouths are not meant to utter profanity and then praise.

Thanks for listening and see you next time!