How would you feel if you noticed an angry or frustrated status update by one of your close friends on Facebook? You’d go out on a limb for him or her and comfort that person in any way you could, right? If your answer was “yes” to the previous question, let me ask another. What if that particular status by your close friend, instead of simply expressing that he or she was “mad at the world,” had used open profanity for all to see? Well, I did a little research by asking fellow Facebook users to share their opinion of people using foul language on Facebook, what they thought of them, and how they can encourage them to exercise better self-control.
The responses were negative. The many replies from my respondents included: “I don’t like it” and “It makes me feel uncomfortable” or even “I don’t want to hear it or see it at all.”
Among the commentators was student Loryn McCaughan, explaining her view on the matter. She said:
“Personally, I don’t appreciate it. I know it’s something that a lot of people do these days, but I don’t like seeing or hearing it everywhere I go. It really depends on if I know them or if they are a celebrity. If I have a personal connection to them, somehow it hurts a lot more to see or hear those words coming from their mouths. If it’s a celebrity I admire, I lose some respect for them. The best and easiest way for me to encourage others is just to be an example for them to hopefully follow and try not to swear as well.”
In my opinion, Loryn is absolutely right. A person may not realize it because he or she has been accustomed to swearing for so long, but this person could seriously offend someone. Though it may be a difficult thing to do to confront those who are struggling with profanity, you will be constructively helping them put into perspective that there are better ways than to insert those harmful words into their speech. Don’t be afraid to take action and speak the truth in love.
If you take the time just to post vulgar language on the media, keep in mind that you’re not making yourself look cooler. You are degrading yourself instead.
As Christians, we should strive for perfection just as God wants us to. If you don’t believe me, look up Matthew 5:48 and check for yourself. Be an example to those struggling around you and encourage them.
“For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body.” — James 3:2
