Is it wrong for a Christian to say things like “OMG”? What about words such as darn, heck, or freaking?
OMG
The three lettered abbreviation “OMG” stands for “Oh My God”. You will hear these three words used often in everyday conversations, and you can see “OMG” plastered all over social media in people’s posts and comments.
In using God’s name this way, it becomes part of a generic term that is thrown around very carelessly. For someone who doesn’t have respect for God anyway, this may not be a problem. On the other hand, for a Christian this is a big problem. We find in the Ten Commandments, (Exodus 20:7) You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name. In addition (Leviticus 19:12) says, “Do not swear falsely by my name and so profane the name of your God. I am the Lord.”
In the first part of the Lord’s prayer, Jesus said to pray, “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. The New Living Translation puts it, “may your name be kept holy.” (Mathew 6:9)
I always cringe when I hear or see God’s name being used in any way that shows a lack of respect, especially when it comes from a Christian. It should go without saying that the God of the universe, and his name, should always be treated with the greatest of respect and reverence. As Christians, we should not expect non-Christians to respect God’s name if we ourselves are guilty of allowing his name to become part of a common meaningless three lettered response to some silly post on Facebook.
The Christian Version of Cussing and Swearing
It makes for an interesting comparison to look at some of the words often believed to be innocent and harmless. You can use your imagination to fill in the blank letters.
Darn = D_ m
Freaking = F _ _ _ king
Heck = H _ ll
The vast majority of those reading this will have no problem figuring out the words that are missing letters. That’s because these alleged harmless words really are replacements for swear words. If you find yourself using these words in your conversations, or at other moments of frustration, you will often notice they are used in situations where others who may not be Christians would use the more colorful version of the curse words.
What The Bible Says About Our Words
When we consider the numerous Scriptures about what kinds of words we should speak, we will find it doesn’t leave any room in our vocabulary for the negative words we should not speak.
(Proverbs 31:26) When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness. NLT
(Proverbs 15:1) A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
(Proverbs 12:18) The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
(Proverbs 12:25) Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.
(Proverbs 16:21) The wise in heart are called discerning, and gracious words promote instruction.
(Proverbs 16:23-24) The hearts of the wise make their mouths prudent, and their lips promote instruction. Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
(Colossians 4:6) Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. ESV
(Ephesians 4:29) 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.
The previous verses speak of wise words that bring healing, gentle answers that turn away wrath, kind words that cheer up a heart, and gracious words that promote instruction. Fill in words that are used in place of cuss words in no way fits the description of gracious words that the Bible says should be coming out of our mouths.
All of these Scriptures from the Bible should cause us to pause and choose or words more wisely.
(Mathew 12:36) I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak ESV
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