The soldiers were pinned down in their bunker by the incessant enemy artillery fire. Two of them were seriously injured and there was no way they could receive proper medical assistance. Their ammunition was running low and the enemy were so close, they could hear them conversing. Their situation was hopeless but their resolve steadied when one of the enemy soldiers yelled at them to surrender. Looking at one another, their resolve steadied and one screamed back, “ **** you!”
While this was a dramatized version of a famous wartime battle, the dialogue and actions were taken from one of the survivors and there was no reason to doubt the authenticity of the account. What would I have done in this situation? If my life and that of my friends were on the line, would I have reacted in the same manner, as these brave soldiers, and swore at my enemy? Is there any situation when cursing and swearing are acceptable?
I am always grateful to our armed forces and first responders who place their lives on the line for all of us. I have never been in a situation like these soldiers. Thus, should I accept behavior that I do not agree with simply because they are sacrificing their lives for my welfare?
Then he began to curse and swear, saying, “I do not know the Man!” Immediately a rooster crowed. And Peter remembered the word of Jesus who had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” So he went out and wept bitterly.
Matthew 26:74-75 (NKJV)
The Bible records this sad incident the evening that Jesus Christ was arrested. The Apostle Peter, one of Jesus’ closest disciples, vehemently denied that he knew Jesus, when questioned by those around him, even cursing and swearing. Peter knew that if he admitted he knew Jesus, he would meet the same certain death as his Lord. Was Peter justified in cursing and swearing?
The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.
Proverbs 18:21 (NLT)
As a Christian believer, God, the Holy Spirit indwells within me. However, I still retain my old nature which often reveals its presence with issues in controlling my tongue and speech. It is my continual spiritual battle to allow God to transform and conform me to the image of His Son, Jesus Christ. I pray that when my life is on the line, I will cling to the promises of Jesus Christ and not rely upon my fallen sinful nature, demeaning my witness for God by a poor choice of profane words, reaping unholy consequences.
Love and trust in the Lord; seek His will in your life.
The Bereans Blog 