Should I Have Said Something?

[Steven87]

I was at a clothing store today with a friend, and he was talking to this girl who worked there about finding a certain size of pants, and while doing this the girl was talking with a co-worker about something, I think one of them said “We don’t have anymore of that size”, and the other girl replied “Christ”, but it didn’t sound like it was meant in vain, altho I could be wrong.

I was thinking, “Should I tell her not to say that”, but I really didn’t want to because I don’t know this girl and I really don’t want it to seem like I was judging her or telling her what she can and cannot say.

I guess the question is a 2 parter, does it sound like that was in van (because she didn’t seem mad or anything), and should I have spoke up, because if I had to tell every of their sins, then I would be walking down the street saying “Don’t get to close with her, unless you’re married”, “Don’t smoke, your bodies a temple”, “You look a little close with that guy, don’t you know that homosexuality is a sin?”, “Stop looking at that girl, you could commit the sin of lust”… Do you know what I mean?

I was reading that God said “If you see someone sinning, tell them”, and the only reason i’m bringing this up is because I really don’t want to make it a habit to seem like i’m judging people, because although i’m not people could take offence to it, and I wouldn’t doubt getting punched one day by doing so.

When God said “If you see someone sinning, tell them” does that mean everyone? Do you guys make it a point to tell strangers that are in front of you that they are sinning? Should we??

 

[Singinbeauty]

Were you thinking of this passage…?

Matthew 18:15-18 (New Living Translation)

15"If another believer[a] sins against you, go privately and point out the fault. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back. 16But if you are unsuccessful, take one or two others with you and go back again, so that everything you say may be confirmed by two or three witnesses. 17If that person still refuses to listen, take your case to the church. If the church decides you are right, but the other person won’t accept it, treat that person as a pagan or a corrupt tax collector. 18I tell you this: Whatever you prohibit on earth is prohibited in heaven, and whatever you allow on earth is allowed in heaven.

In your situation I don’t think it would have been beneficial to say something to the girl because you don’t know where her heart is with God. In today’s society chastizing someone you don’t know about something like that in public would, most of the time, do more harm than good. Now, if it was a person who you knew to be a christian then by all means, mention something to them in love. Just my 2cents.

 

[Steven87]

that wasn’t exactly the passage I was talking about… I’ll try and find it.

 

[Courtneyjo]

Telling strangers that are in front of you that they are sinning? It depends on the situation. Some sins are also crimes and calling the police may be necessary.

Setting a good example is always a good idea, and a hard stare is recrimination. Unfortunately, it just flies over the head of many people, since they have never been taught a sense of sin, and would not understand if you told them.

 

[baltobetsy]

You are only obligated to “admonish the sinner” (one of the spiritual works of mercy) if there is some reason to believe that you could influence the person. This is based on your relationship with that person, and there is no relationship at all to a perfect stranger, hence, no obligation to correct. It would be very good if you made an act of reparation to God for the person’s language. I like to use one of the lines from the Divine Praises (Blessed be God. Blessed be His Holy Name, etc.). It would also be good to pray for the person’s enlightenment.

And a raised eyebrow never hurt either. :ehh:

Betsy

 

[paramedicgirl]

I always say, 'Blessed be God’s name forever" when I hear someone take His name in vain. Sometimes under my breath, and sometimes out loud, depending on the situation.
And you could always say the Golden Arrow prayer from the Pieta Book to atone for the sin of blasphemy.

The Golden Arrow

May the most holy, most sacred,
most adorable, most mysterious
and unutterable Name of God
be always praised, blessed,
loved, adored and glorified,
in heaven, on earth and under the earth,
by all the creatures of God,
and by the Sacred Heart of Our Lord Jesus Christ
in the most holy Sacrament of the altar.

---

The Golden Arrow was revealed by Our Lord Jesus Christ to a Carmelite nun of Tours in 1843 as a reparation for blasphemy.

Jesus said: “This Golden Arrow will wound My Heart delightfully, and heal the wounds inflicted by blasphemy.”

 

[Alma]

I agree with others who have said it is not advisable to correct a perfect stranger in public.:nope:
But I guess in the situation you describe, you may well ask her: what do you mean? (immediately after she says: ‘Christ’ ). If she said it without thinking, your question will make her conscious that when she says it like that other people notice and wonder what she means. If she said it for a reason, she may explain it to you and then you will be able to tell her what you think about that.
In any case, be sure to act with charity, discretion, and a smile, so she does not feel judged nor embarrased.

Alma

 

[kaymart]

My son works in a viedo store and hears this constantly when people can’t find what they want, He used a little morality with a little humor, When told there were no more copies of a paticular movie the man yelled out Jesus Christ, my son replied “I’m sorry but He doesn’t have that movie either.” One man actually said he was sorry for taking the Lord’s Name in Vain and didn’t realize what he said. Since then he makes a point to say hi to my son when he comes in to rent a movie.

 

[Didi]

Sometimes if I hear the Lord’s name used in vain, I make the sign of the cross and whisper a silent prayer for their forgiveness like “Jesus, have mercy on them.” Sometimes people will act embarrassed if they see me making the sign of the cross, sometimes I get wierd stares, and sometimes people apologize. If they say something to me, then that gives me an opening to say that I am offended when someone uses my Lord’s name in vain.

 

[bear06]

When I hear some variation of JC, I like to say “Where!!!” At least it gets them thinking about what they’ve said which is rarely happening when somebody says that.

 

[Rebecca_New]

How about in the movies when you are sitting there and they start with the swearing. It seems the worse they swear, the more popular the movie is. Its not necessary.

 

[Katie1723]

bear06:

When I hear some variation of JC, I like to say “Where!!!” At least it gets them thinking about what they’ve said which is rarely happening when somebody says that.

Although I try not to say it, when I do, my BF promptly says the SAME thing…“Where?” …or “I don’t see Him”…makes me think and gets a laugh out of me also.
~ Kathy ~