Uncharitable words

[lands]

Are uncharitable words that are said when alone, not in anyone’s hearing a venial or mortal sin?

Example: Your receive a phone call where when you ask the person who they are calling and they say their phone; you tell they have the wrong number. After you hang up you say “idiot”.

 

[Tantum_ergo]

Are uncharitable words that are said when alone, not in anyone’s hearing a venial or mortal sin?

Example: Your receive a phone call where when you ask the person who they are calling and they say their phone; you tell they have the wrong number. After you hang up you say “idiot”.

Oh, I struggle with this myself so much! It seems like I’m forever blurting out (in private) those angry words (moron, idiot). . .and having to apologize to God and immediately ‘bless’ the person instead. So far my priest appears to consider these ‘venial’ sins (with an opportunity for me to be more ‘mindful’ and humble. . .but it’s a thorn in my flesh and I sympathize with you. I’m going to suggest that you speak with your priest in confession as he knows you and will be able to give a good solid judgment and answer, and may God bless you (and no, you aren’t an idiot!)

 

[Julian0404]

I believe Jesus said “…do not even call someone fool, lest you suffer in the fires of gehena…” paraphrase, but you get the point Jesus was teaching. It is a very serious matter, as simple and non-impacting as it seems to us.

However, we are now killing or children and declaring that legal as well.

Always confess it, and always struggle against it. We are all “in the image of God”, not just you. Even those we dislike. And if you disrespect them, you are disrespecting the image of God, which is them. If you diss someone for their race, you are offending God for the same reason, you are dissing the “image of God”.

Whenever I encounter a person who is raising my ire, I try to remind myself that this person is “the image of God”, and it helps me hold my tongue. And when I slip, I add it to my list for confession.

 

[EmeraldWings]

Are uncharitable words that are said when alone, not in anyone’s hearing a venial or mortal sin?

Example: Your receive a phone call where when you ask the person who they are calling and they say their phone; you tell they have the wrong number. After you hang up you say “idiot”.

lol, everyone i know does that! :B

i think it would only fall under venial, because it’s not really something you do consciously, like it’s not premeditated or done out of anger or anything, it’s just a quick comment on the stupid situation, which of course is still a bad thing to do, it’s never ok to call someone names, but it’s not as malicious or grievous as a mortal sin would be,

but it’s also nothing to stress over, a habit like that can be overcome quite easily, simply pray on it and each day make a resolution not to do it, and eventually(or even quickly) you will find yourself thinking before you go and say something like that, and you’ll be able to stop yourself.
whether it’s with a wrong number, or in conversations among your family and friends, or in any other situation, you just need to practice and learn how to think before you speak.
and keep in mind - the more annoying your problem becomes, the more progress you are making, because that means you are detesting it more and thinking about it more, and the devil knows he’s losing…of course this is a smaller type of sin to say that with, but you can also apply that to any other sin you may have.

ok, hope this helps, tc.

 

[brittrossiter]

Are uncharitable words that are said when alone, not in anyone’s hearing a venial or mortal sin?

Example: Your receive a phone call where when you ask the person who they are calling and they say their phone; you tell they have the wrong number. After you hang up you say “idiot”.

Such idle words would probably be venial sins, but could indeed be serious enough to be mortal sins in certain cases, depending on the nature of the words, your intentions behind them, and your knowledge of their gravity.

Remember that several of the Commandments themselves can be broken merely by speaking the right (wrong?) words – i.e., taking the Lord’s name in vain, bearing false witness, dishonoring one’s parents, coveting something, etc.)

Also remember that there is really no such thing as an uncharitable word that is ever spoken “alone” - all of the words you utter are uttered within earshot of God.

“I tell you, on the day of judgment men will render account for every careless word they utter; for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” (Mt. 12:36-37).

 

[lands]

I thank all of you for your replies and good advice in clearing this up for me. You have put my mind more at ease.