This was the title of a post I read that was recommended by someone I respected on Facebook. It was written by a preacher and he gave examples of the kinds of things he thought people shouldn't say who claim to be Christians. He introduced his arguments against these thoughtless phrases by saying that sometimes he cursed. Maybe not often, but he felt it was acceptable when he couldn't do anything else. to let slip a curse or two. He gave very human reasons why this was OK. You can read his article by clicking this link Phrases I Think Christians Shouldn't Say.
I agree with him about most of the thoughtless, empty phrases, but I don't agree that cursing is a recourse a Christian should take. Cursing does not do anything to mitigate the damage caused by a wreck or a storm. Cursing may vent the anger of the one who is cursing, but it does not restore the heart or life of those who suffered damage.
He cited the example of devastation so complete that the results went beyond human ability to remedy. In that kind of case, he felt a curse might slip out. Indeed, you might hear curses in that scenario, but it is not helpful and it is still sin. The Gospel of Mark 3:28-29 says that all sins will be forgiven, even blasphemy against God the Father and the Son, but not against the Holy Spirit, so those who choose to blaspheme need to be careful whom they offend. Just a minute, even Mark still calls it a sin in need of repentance. But in the face of a tsunami or a hurricane or a plane crash, maybe it's OK. NOT!!!
God calls us to use words of blessing, not curses, to attack the pain and disaster in the world. Psalms 19:14--Let the words of my mouth and the medications of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord my strength and my redeemer--is often quoted before a speaker or a preacher begins to speak, but I don't believe that is the only place our words should be examined. I don't think Christians, preachers or laymen, are called to curse in the face of need or evil.
Christians are called to live as an example of love and care and exhibit a standard of behavior that is in line with our example--Jesus. If, indeed, we find a curse or other language that is unworthy of Christian demeanor in our mouths, we don't have to justify it or give excuses for it. We just need to repent it. We must view that slip as a sin. We need to do more than ask God to forgive the words; we need to ask him to cleanse our minds and hearts, as well. James 3:10 Out of the mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.
Our praises are corrupted by the curses as the fresh water would be corrupted by the tainted water in the spring if they flowed together.
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