I have been struggling with cursing in my mind. I have read the scriptures about getting rid of filthy language. Yet when I read the scriptures and pray I fail. The scriptures say "not even a hint of impurity," but I find with cursing I am well past that point. How do I get rid of it? Sometimes it feels like it's right in the back of my mind. W.W.

Colossians 3:1-15 -- please meditate on this passage. Basically, worldly thought patterns must be replaced by godly ones. Other great passages are Romans 12:1-2 and Philippians 4:8ff. You can definitely make the change, but will have to be open God transforming you. 

Here are some questions for you, and others reading this Q&A, that may be of help:

  • In church, do I concentrate in worship? on the sermon? during communion?
  • Do I spend more time each day online or in front of the TV than I do in Bible study and prayer?
  • Do those I spend the most time with have pure minds and speech?
  • Do I take my burdens to the Lord in prayer, or do I try to deal with anger all by myself?
  • When a temptation comes, do I truly believe that the Lord has already provided an "escape route" (1 Corinthians 10:13)?
  • Do I dwell too much on my shortcomings, thereby inadvertently giving them extra power, or do I let them be forgiven and buried?