For the Strength of Youth October 2023 “Why is it so important to control my language?”
Your words show what is in your heart. Jesus Christ taught, “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh” (Matthew 12:34). “Make sure your language reflects love of God and others” (For the Strength of Youth: A Guide for Making Choices [2022], 12).
Controlling your language shows self-discipline. James taught, “If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body” (James 3:2).
A disciple’s words should be uplifting. The Apostle Paul taught, “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers” (Ephesians 4:29).
What you say affects your ability to have the Spirit. “Foul language is both degrading and harmful to the spirit” (Gospel Topics, “Profanity,” topics.ChurchofJesusChrist.org).
Friend August 2000 “Sharing Time: A Beautiful Tapestry” Ask several children how their parents chose their names. Say their names with varying voice inflections—excitement, annoyance, love, and so on. Ask how hearing their names said different ways made them feel. Display several names of Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father. Remind the children that they are keeping their baptismal covenant as they speak reverently of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and never swear or use crude words.
Ensign April 2017 “The Words We Use”
The Lord taught that sacred things “must be spoken with care” (D&C 63:64). It’s so common to hear the Lord’s name misused that kids might not understand why it’s wrong. Talk about why we should speak respectfully of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.
Jean B. Bingham, First Counselor in the Primary General Presidency, taught: “Words have surprising power, both to build up and to tear down. … Choosing to say only that which is positive about—and to—others lifts and strengthens those around us” (“I Will Bring the Light of the Gospel into My Home,” Ensign, Nov. 2016, 7).
Object Lesson Idea
Place a clean sponge in clean water and another in dirty water. When the sponges are full, take them out and squeeze them to show what kind of water comes out. Explain that our minds soak up words and ideas; what we’ve soaked up is what comes out. What kind of language do you want to soak up? Using good language doesn’t mean just not swearing—it also means using language that’s honest, kind, and respectful. We can choose to soak up good things that please Heavenly Father so we can have the Holy Ghost with us. Explain how, with repentance, we can become clean from any bad influences we’ve soaked up.
Friend April 2017 Read “Brock and the Bad Word.” Write a list of good ways to use language. What can you do when other people use bad language?
Friend June 2023 “How Can I Learn to Use Good Language?” By Elder D. Todd Christofferson
Profanity Used by Others
Can’t get away from it? Ideas on what to do
Friend August 2019 “Speaking Up” Sometimes people keep swearing, even after we ask them to stop. Or we’re in a situation where we can’t ask others to stop. Here are some things you can do:
