How to ask a friend to stop using the Lord's name as an expletive

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FossilResin

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I have an old friend who has a habit of using Jesus’s beautiful name as an expletive. Now that I love Jesus more than ever and have given my life to him, her use of his name in this way hurts every time. It’s clear that the only time she speaks his name is as an expletive. I know it would be unacceptable to not bring it up with her. What’s the most tactful, politic way of going about it without apologizing or compromising?
 
Your relationship with her may determine how you respond, whether you bring it up to explain how it pains you, or spontaneously counter with an action of your own.

If words serve, perhaps a phrase I have heard amongst certain devout people, usually as a greeting followed by an answer.

“Praised be Jesus Christ.”
“Now and forever.”
 
When people around me say Oh My G-d, I’ll say Oh My Gosh.

After a couple times they get the hint.
 
I have a friend whose son had the perfect response when they we’re leaving class and someone said Jesus Christ! The young high school senior turned and said “you know Him to? He is a friend of mine!
@Knight
 
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Our pastor said when someone says it, he immediately adds “my Lord and my all! “ to it. I think they get the message. 🙂
 
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I think you should handle it the same as you would when ever a dear friend oversteps or does something that offends you. Have a heart to heart conversation about it. I find it is best to use “I” language. Explain how her action makes you feel, why it makes you feel that way, and what changes you would like to see. Be willing to accept that she may believe you are being ridiculous and will have no intention of changing. That will leave you with a choice to either accept her the way she is, or not.
 
adf417 said:
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FossilResin:
…her use of his name in this way hurts every time.
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Have you mentioned this to her? If so are you sure she is “an old friend”?

Peace!!!
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I haven’t told her yet. She doesn’t even think about it.
 
Make the sign of the cross each time you hear that, and she’ll ask. Then, just tell the truth. It is habitual, but still harmful.
 
I actually had a similar problem with some of my friends, they knew how I felt about it, so I don’t know if they still do it, but when I confronted them, they stopped doing it around me. Friends are generally understanding about stuff like that.
 
FossilResin said:
her use of his name in this way hurts every time…

… What’s the most tactful, politic way of going about it without apologizing or compromising?
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There are two problems with “I” and “me” language (e.g., “I feel this” or “this hurts me”): First, it is slightly self-centered. Framing it in that language makes it about you. Second, it only solves the problem as far as you are concerned. What about her? She may continue to use the name of Jesus inappropriately when you’re not around.

Therefore, it might be better if you showed her that it is right and good in general, and benefiting her in particular, to respect the name of Jesus. If she is a Christian, it may not be difficult to convince her of this principle, but here we are also dealing with a long-standing habit that may take time and effort on her part, so you must be patient, forbearing, and cheerful about it. You are there to serve her. Ask not what she can do for you; ask what you can do for her.

Got any ideas how to start that conversation and assist that process with her?
 
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Thank you. I agree that the “‘I’ statements” are solipsistic where the focus should be on the truth beyond ourselves. She is not Christian and she bears a real animosity towards God. We grew up together but only recently reconnected, so we’ve gone on different paths in that sense for sure.
 
That might make it more difficult. Still, animosity toward God suggests that she believes in God, or is at least thinking about God, which is someplace to start. Let’s think about it. Also let’s pray about it!
 
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