Back To Home Page To Archives - Spring of Life - H. Roger Bothwell “OUCH!” While Christmas shopping this year I came across a heart breaking scene of a woman with four small children trying to Christmas shop. It was an incredible sight. The poor woman was obviously at her wit’s end trying to keep control of packages and 2 children in a walker and 2 children walking (actually running - in circles). Finally in desperation I heard her swear at one of the runners. I have often wondered about swearing. Why do people do it? It is a response of frustration, anger or surprise. I understand that. What I don’t understand is using God’s or Jesus’ name. Why don’t we say, “Oh, George Washington” or “Thomas Jefferson, Stop that?” Could it be that in order to add as much emphasis to the situation we go for the biggest most powerful name we know? In Mat 5:34 Jesus counsels us, “I tell you, Do not swear at all:” and in the little book of James we read in chapter 5 verse 12, “Above all, my brothers, do not swear--not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. Let your "Yes" be yes, and your "No," no,” Maybe it is asking too much for a person who has just smashed their thumb with a hammer not to yell something other than “yes” or “no” but maybe they could spout, “Harry Truman” or “Billy Graham” if they want to add a religious flavor. Or maybe a big loud “Ouch” would do just fine. I’m sure God had a very good reason for commanding us not to take His name in vain. I'm Roger Bothwell and my address is hrb1@tiac.net or 151 Old Farm Rd. Leominster, MA 01453. Thank you for your support of our faith ministry. Past devotionals can be accessed at Archives