10 Things Christians Should Stop Saying - Inspirational Videos

One man, Jefferson Bethke, has compiled a list of several commonly used phrases and sayings that he believes Christians should refrain from using and gives a variety of reasons why.

Words are powerful, possessing the ability to either build up or destroy someone. Whoever first said, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me,” was 100 percent incorrect. Anyone can attest to the fact that words do sting. The words and phrases we use do matter, especially as Christians. 

In a clip posted on YouTube, Jefferson quickly went through a list of phrases Christians should remove from their conversations. Some phrases suggested for removal may be surprising, while others are obvious and self-explanatory. 

1 .“God’s Not Giving You More Than You Can Handle”

Jefferson, as he mentions in the clip, believes this statement is biblically incorrect. Instead, he points out how God would often use overwhelming circumstances, giving people more than they could handle, in order to change their path and turn them toward Him. 

2. “Everything Happens for a Reason”

This phrase is normally used when someone is going through a tragic and devastating situation. While Jefferson says this idea and belief may be technically correct, biblically speaking, it does nothing for the individual grieving. That’s basically the last thing someone hurting and mourning wants to hear.

3. “Will All Visitors in the Church Stand/Take 60 Seconds to Greet Your Neighbor”

As Jefferson points out, these phrases are used in large churches during worship services. Those calls to interact with others often create awkward and forced interactions. It’s best to let these interactions happen naturally.

4. “I Covet Your Prayers”

Jefferson states there are much better, more conversational phrases available that get the same point across. “I want your prayers” or “I need your prayers” means the same thing and doesn’t include “an archaic, Old Testament term, that is actually a sin.” 

5. “You Must Be Blessed with the Gift of Singleness”

This phrase, as the clip points out, is the last thing someone who is currently single wants to hear. Perhaps that person doesn’t want to be single. Let them figure it out on their own. 

6. “I Just Need to Love on Some Kids”

It’s easy to understand why Christians should stop using this phrase or anything like it. It’s honestly hard to believe that anyone would let something like this come out of their mouth. Thinking before you speak, especially in this case, is a great idea. 

7. “I’ll Pray About It”

This one, as Jefferson mentions, is normally used as a stand-in when people want to say “no” to something or someone. Instead, believing themselves to be polite, they’ll say, “I’ll pray about it,” and then text a “no” later. 

8. “Jesus is My Co-Pilot”

This bumper sticker phrase is weird, awkward and simply wrong, Jefferson mentions. “That might just be borderline heresy,” he states. Jesus, the Savior of the world, is not the one calling the shots in your life? This slogan diminishes Christ’s role to someone on the sideline, a second-in-command role. 

9. “God Helps Those Who Help Themselves”

Jefferson states this statement, popular in America, is biblically inaccurate. He points out in Scripture that God continually gave grace to the humble, the downtrodden and the brokenhearted – the people who had no ability to help themselves. 

10. “You Just Need to Forgive Yourself”

In the clip, Jefferson correctly points out that people will say this to people struggling with something in their past. But instead of forgiving oneself,” that individual needs to focus on and understand that Christ is the one who forgives. He washes away sin and makes things clean again. “God has the highest authority, not you.”

Ephesians 4:29 “Let no evil talk come out of your mouth, but only what is good for giving necessary teaching, and for the grace to those who give ear.”