"#?*<%!"

"With (the tongue) we bless the LORD and Father, and with it we curse those who are made in the likeness of God."

(James 3:9)

I wasn't much of a "swearer" as a kid. My parents were pretty clear about what was (and wasn't) acceptable to say. So I was fairly adept at keeping cursing under control. I'm still pretty good at not cursing... at least in public. But in private... well, that's another story.

I don't think I swear a lot, but when something unexpected happens, I'll often say, "What the #?*>%!!?" (Again, only when I'm alone, or if I'm really caught off guard). But I'm probably the worst (ie. the least Christian with my words) when I'm driving. I don't know what happens to me when I'm behind the wheel, but my "grace filter" disappears. I cannot stand stupid drivers... inconsiderate drivers... rude drivers... or even drivers who seem to forget that they have a working turn signal in their car!!! Forgive me, Lord.

The author of James gave me a sharp dose of reality today. As he writes about the (often destructive) power of the human tongue, eh notes that we use our tongues to both BLESS God (as it should be, right?!?)... and CURSE others. But here's the kicker: James (correctly) says this others whom we curse are actually made in the image of God.

Ouch.

Everyone is made in the image of God. Everyone ha inherent sacred worth. When we curse others (while driving... or because they're fans of a rival sports team... or if they espouse different political beliefs... or if they're part of another faith tradition... or even if they've hurt us)...w e are disrespecting God's creation. We are treating them as less than human. And that's just not right.

So yes, forgive me, LORD. Help curb (and eventually eliminate) all of my cursing. In the name of the One who died for us all. AMEN.