Why Does My Mormon Friend Refuse to Use Bad Language?

jesus christ mormonIt may seem to you like everyone around you uses foul language at least at some times. You may notice that your Mormon friend never says certain things. This may seem odd, but don’t you really find it a bit refreshing? The booklet for Mormon youth, titled For Strength of Youth has this to say about language and behvaior:

“How you speak says much about who you are. Clean and intelligent language is evidence of a bright and wholesome mind. . . . Do not insult others or put them down, even in joking. Speak kindly and positively about others so you can fulfill the Lord’s commandment to love one another.”

Vulgar language shows ignorance and lack of a better vocabulary. If you have a better vocabulary, you will find it is much more expressive. Use it. In addition to refraining from usual swear words, you may also have noticed that your Mormon friend never uses any form of the Lord’s name in vain. Mormons believe the commandment to not take God’s name in vain is a very important one. After all, it did make the top ten on God’s list as well. Using the names of God and Jesus Christ appropriately shows your respect for them.

When you tell jokes make sure they are appropriate and are inoffensive to those around you. Any kind of foul language degrades you as well as those around you, and foul language includes more than just swear words; it is any kind of language which shows a lack of respect for yourself or others.

For Strength of Youth offers the following advice: “Choose friends who use good language. Help others around you use clean language by your example and by good-naturedly encouraging them to choose other words. Politely walk away or change the subject when others around you use bad language.” You might be surprised by the difference you can make. If you choose to stop using bad language, your friends will notice and will likely stop using that language around you. If they don’t notice, but you find their language offensive, they might not even realize they are using that kind of language. Kindly asking them to use other words can help them to improve their own language.

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