LONG IMPORTANT POST:

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14 (ESV)

Written by: Pastora Yolanda Cruz

During a recent conversation with Apostle David, we reflected on an important question: Did Jesus ever use harsh or vulgar words to get His message across? That led us into a deeper discussion about the power of our words and how they reflect our pursuit of holiness and obedience to God.

Jesus spoke boldly, but His words were always rooted in truth, love, and righteousness, never corruption. As His followers, we are called to do the same. Our words should build up, bring life, and reflect the holiness we’re pursuing in Christ.

The short answer is no, Jesus didn’t use bad or vulgar words like we think of swearing today. But, He did use some strong language when He had to get a point across.

He called the Pharisees things like “hypocrites,” “blind guides,” and “whitewashed tombs” (Matthew 23). Back then, that wasn’t casual talk. That was a serious public rebuke. It was sharp, bold, and even offensive to those hearing it.

In some places, like when He flipped the tables in the temple (John 2:13-17), His actions and words were intense. He called it a “den of robbers.”

Jesus was truthful, direct, and fearless, but always holy in His speech (1 Peter 2:22). He didn’t need to cuss to be powerful, His words carried weight because of truth and authority, not shock value.

This is serious: We pray and hope you take a moment and read, meditate, and apply.

This reflection inspired us to share a few practical ways to honor God with our speech. We pray it encourages you to let your words be filled with grace, truth, and life. While pursuing holiness.

1. Jesus’ Example

Jesus never sinned—not in thought, word, or deed (1 Peter 2:22). He spoke truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), and even when He confronted people, His words were always righteous, purposeful, and pure. He didn’t tear down just to tear down; He corrected to bring repentance and life.

2. Our Words Matter

Scripture says, “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up” (Ephesians 4:29). Obedience to God includes how we speak to others. Are we building them up? Are we reflecting His holiness?

3. Holiness Includes Speech

“But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do” (1 Peter 1:15). That includes our words. James 3 talks about how the tongue is powerful. It can bless or curse. Holiness is surrendering, even our tongue to God.

4. Grace and Truth Together

Jesus came full of grace and truth (John 1:14). Sometimes, the truth is hard, but it’s never vulgar or disrespectful. Holiness doesn’t mean soft or passive. It means speaking truth from a heart aligned with God.

5. A Pure Heart Produces Pure Words

Jesus said, “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45). As we pursue holiness, our hearts are purified by the Spirit, and our words naturally reflect that transformation.

Be holy, for He is Holy!

Series: In Him

It is very important that we reflect our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. All though we fall short of the glory because of our human nature. We cannot use it as an excuse to live a lifestyle of sin. John 17:14-15 says, “I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one.”

1. Jesus has given us the word.

He gave us the word that we should live by it.