As lead pastor at Stonebridge Bible Church in Franklin, Tennessee, Jonny Ardavanis encourages those in his care to follow Jesus Christ in all that they do—including how they speak. Ardavanis looks to God’s Word as he explores whether or not Christians are allowed to use profanity or cuss words.
“How many unwholesome words am I allowed to speak as a Christian?” Ardavanis asked in a recent video posted to X (formerly Twitter).
Jonny Ardavanis Answers the Question, ‘Should Christians Cuss?’
Through Dial In Ministries, Ardavanis has interviewed other pastors, including John MacArthur and Alistair Begg, to gain their perspectives on such topics as why we continue to feel guilty for past sins and the role of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
“Yesterday’s pursuit of God doesn’t equip you for today’s battle. The pursuit of holiness and the battle against sin is constant,” Ardavanis has said.
This time, and in less than a minute, Ardavanis sought Scripture that addresses the words we speak. He noted how common it is to hear Christians use foul language, and that’s not always been the case.
Especially when ministering to youth and young adults, people wonder about the subject and how to approach the hot topic. Does that language just flow off their lips? Do kids cuss to impress their peers? How do you respond when kids ask you if cussing is a sin?
“Every single culture recognizes words that are explicit, derogatory, and crude. And, the Bible’s very clear how the Christian is to steward their tongue in that regard,” explained Ardavanis.
Ardavanis then quoted Ephesians 4:29, which says, “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.”
“How many unwholesome words am I allowed to speak as a Christian?” he asked.
Ardavanis quickly responded, “And the answer is zero. Let no unwholesome word.”
He further explained that this non-negotiable command doesn’t fall under “Christian liberty.” In fact, Ardavanis claimed that Christian use of foul language or cuss words “is a grievance to the heart of God.”
Should Christians cuss? pic.twitter.com/xQyiOfexTG
— Jonny Ardavanis (@Jonnyardavanis) February 28, 2024
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