Paul, in Ephesians 4:29, says: “Let no unwholesome word 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.”
We had an interesting conversation on this verse today at dinner, when one of our daughters, both of whom have watched My Fair Lady recently, suddenly quoted, “Damn, damn, damn, damn, damn.”
We had the opportunity to begin a conversation on words and why we use them – for God’s glory and to build other people up and benefit those who listen. Then, we ran through a list of several phrases or words that are not useful for any of these purposes (damn being one of them) and explained what they really mean and why they are, then, not wholesome. It is going to be more and more normal for them to hear these words, not only in movies, but from other kids and adults around them, so it was great to have a natural opening to begin the discussion with them. We emphasized that, anytime they come across a word someone says that they are unsure about, they can always come ask us. We did tell them that these are not words to talk to their friends about but that, again, they can always talk to us about them. (Just to let you other parents know in advance…)
Just a neat opportunity for training and discussion as they are growing older and surely one of many, many, many that we will yet have.
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Great conversation opening! I still haven't quite figured out what to do with the accidental use of really bad obscenities (usually shouted or sung) due to love of rhyming!
ReplyDeleteThis is the very verse we had Joel learn recently when he had an incident at school with name-calling. We've then used it frequently, asking one another, "Are our words benefitting those who listen?".
ReplyDeletePretty convicting verse, isn't it? You begin to speak it to your kids and then realize how much you also need to be reminded of it!
ReplyDeleteWe've had some VERY similar conversations lately -- also relating to not using the Lord's name in vain. Good to hear from other parents in the same shoes!!!!
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