Is Prison Profanity Different Than Yours?

Profanity...

      Swearing...

            Cussing... 


My mother used to describe any disrespectful language as having a "potty-mouth". All household members knew this toilet talk had it's consequences in our home. Since I was the third child, I have to admit, I saw a few of my siblings get their mouth washed out with soap.  Did I learn from their example? No... I had to discover the distaste for disrespect on my own.

It certainly was a tasteful reminder of what not to say in our home. James is reminding all believers of the same thing...

We have only a few verses left in our Prison Series on James: "Persevering With Purpose." This week we are taking only one verse and really "sudsing" up in it.

But above all, my brothers, 

do not swear, 

either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, 

but let your "yes" be your yes 

and 

your "no" be no, 

so that you may not fall under condemnation. James 5:12

Prison inmates are fully aware of the consequences of their actions, many have issues with their language. Is prison language any different than at the corner gas station or the privacy of one's home? 

James is writing this to all of us, to encourage us to "persevere" as believers. To rise-up and not only let our works reflect our faith in Christ, but our language is to be shown as trustworthy and honorable as well. 

Are you tired of a lifetime of anger and swearing? Is your go-to knee jerk reaction to bully others around with your mouth to get your way? It's not too late... don't let pride get in the way.

1. Find you knees, bow down and repent. 
2. Ask God to fill you with the Holy Spirit. 
3. Let God's Words become your words and your heart's integrity will be evident.
4. Go to those you have hurt with your words and humbly ask for forgiveness.
5. Practice, practice, practice self-control (If you fail, start again with number one.)

I have recently felt first-hand how someone's hurtful, 

raging words can destroy a relationship. 

I have also witnessed how our own words of 

love and mercy can lift someone up 

from a pit of darkness into the light of God's grace. 

But above all... 

let's say "YES" to choosing a language that is trustworthy and honorable.

SURVIVING SUFFERING IN PRISON... Using Patience and Perseverance

Is it true that those who make the biggest STINK get what they want? 


This week in prison the message will be centered around James 5:7-11. James is clear that they key to surviving suffering is patience.  "Be patient then..." James 5:7 

We will discuss the "do's and don'ts" in suffering. The "how-to persevere during the tough times" type survival skills. James encourages us to continue being patient until Christ's coming.

Are you tired of waiting?

• Where are you patiently waiting for God to answer prayer...? Do you have a child who has turned their back to the things of God? Have you been praying unceasingly for years and years - yet they still remain stiff-necked, ignoring God and going their own way.

• Are you patiently waiting for God to step up and step in to your troubles...? Your loved one is battling with addiction and you see no hope of them ever breaking free from it's stronghold. It's grip is ruining their life and destroying their future.

• Are you patiently waiting for God to make the impossible become possible...? You need a miracle in your life; an appeal, a court hearing, a judge to have mercy on you? Perhaps things are immersed in such a darkness that you cannot even imagine seeing the light of day ever again.

What does a foolish person do? They make a big "stink" while going ahead and taking action on their own. A foolish person only grumbles and thinks of themselves without waiting on God and persevering. 

What should a wise person do?  "You too be patient and stand firm because the Lord's coming is near." James 5:8 Not to only stand firm... that could be the easy part... perhaps the hardest part is... "don't grumble against one another brothers and sisters or you will be judged. James 5:9

Please pray that the inmate's simple "yes" to God will take root. 

"YES Father, I want to stand firm without making a stink and grumbling."

"YES Jesus, I want to patiently wait for You."

"YES, Lord I want your blessings of mercy and compassion

as a result of my suffering and perseverance."

"Oh, how I trust and depend upon you Lord.

Amen!"