Even the words of our mouths are guided and controlled by the Spirit of God! We are careful not to let anger, hatred, or jealousy make us say things that we know would displease God. We don't want to have to be ashamed of the way we talk.

Sometimes when people get angry they start misusing God's name and God's great power. They say that God should damn this person or that person to hell. They swear that God will kill another person, or that God will punish them in some horrible way. Sometimes they simply use God's name as if it were just another word: "Jesus Christ, it is hot out here today!" "God! I'm tired!" But our special relationship with God, our NEW LIFE in God's Spirit, would keep us from talking that way. Read James 3:8-12.

What does this passage teach you about how we talk as Christian people?  

Another way in which people misuse the name of God is to call God as a witness to what they are saying. If we are having an argument, and I feel that your points are stronger than my own, I'm tempted to bring God into the argument on my side: "I swear to God that I am telling the truth!!" "God knows that I'm right and you're wrong!" Take a look at what Matthew 5:33-37 has to say about this habit.

What reason does Matthew give for not swearing?  

Perhaps our use of language in our New Life as Christians is best explained by St. Paul in Colossians 3:8-10.

How does St. Paul encourage us to speak only those things that would please our God?


How can you use the way you speak to help people see the new self that Christ has given you as one of His people?


We hope this Bible study lesson has helped you in understanding the joyful relationship that you have with God through your faith in Jesus Christ.

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