People think that using the Lord Jesus’s name as a curse word, or God’s name in vain, somehow diminishes who He is, but all it really reveals is how far our culture has fallen, where the King of Kings and Lord of Lords’ name, the One who gave them life, is used carelessly, casually, without fear.

Some even believe this cheapens Him, and because He has not struck them down dead on the spot, they assume, consciously or subconsciously, that He does not exist, or that they can continue in rebellion and their sinful lifestyles without consequence.

We who truly believe know otherwise. The only reason they have not been struck down is because the Lord is merciful and giving them time to repent. But it is only for a time, because when He returns there will be judgment, and all those who have shown such disrespect will bow and confess Jesus Christ is Lord.

In my own experience working in secular environments, I have seen this behaviour firsthand. At times, it felt deliberate, done in my presence because it was known I was a Christian. When I spoke up and asked whether they would use the names of other religious figures in the same way, the response was rarely repentance. More often, it was offence taken at the correction rather than reflection on the act itself.

Christians are often unprotected in secular environments or around the world. We are not called to respond with violence, destruction, or retaliation, but to peace, and because of this we are often targeted. We are those who won’t burn down buildings, behead people, or riot in the streets, and so, true to the sinful nature, we become targets for bullying behaviour, picked on and mistreated by those who hate the true God and His people, and thus it was with me. However, they rejected our Saviour first, and we are not above our Master.

So I learned that I could not confront everyone. In God’s providence, I left that environment. Looking back, I believe the Lord used that season to strengthen me, to teach me endurance, and to train me to defend my faith, not through anger, but through prayer and forgiveness. Most importantly, He taught me how to pray for those who persecuted me, and taught me to forgive them by choice, for they did not know to whom they did it, but they knew what they were doing.

There was a time this deeply unsettled me, until a friend shared how she responded in similar environments. When she hears the misuse of the Lord’s name, she immediately prays—for them to know Him, for their hearts to be softened, and for revelation of who Jesus truly is. That simple discipline changed my perspective. Instead of resentment, it became intercession.

I believe the Lord uses these incidents for us to pray for certain people, as He knows that we may be the first person to ever pray for their soul. At the same time, wisdom is needed. There are moments when we are called to speak, and moments when we are called to remain silent. God knows those whose hearts are ready, and we are called to trust Him to guide us.

This gave me peace and opened my eyes to something deeper: it is only the one true God’s name that is used in this way. The other gods belong to the enemy, Satan, and are of him, so he does not lead people to blaspheme his own. Instead, he uses the Lord’s name in vain to draw people closer to hell, adding to their judgment if they do not repent. But God always has the last laugh. He waits patiently, very patiently.

2 Peter 3:9
“The Lord is not slow in keeping that promise as some understand slowness, but is patient toward us, not wanting anyone to perish, but for all to come to repentance.”

One thing that became clear to me is how widely the Lord’s name is used in this way across culture: media, entertainment, and everyday speech, often without thought. Even among those who claim to follow Him. Yet this is not something new. Scripture already speaks to the weight of His name and the seriousness of how it is treated.

Such is the world we live in, but only for a time.

Jesus said in:

Matthew 12:31–32
“And so I tell you, every kind of sin and slander can be forgiven, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.”

And as my friend and I pray when we hear our precious Lord and Saviour’s name used as a curse word in our everyday lives, so widely blasphemed, we know that our loving Lord and Saviour works everything for good. His name, whether they like it or not, is on their lips and in their hearts, and that can be turned—if willing—for their salvation and redemption.

I pray that the Lord will give them a revelation of who He really is. He came to save those who are lost, and through the Cross He has finished the work He came to do, there will be no excuses upon His return, only judgment.

Until then, may we continue the good fight of faith, praying that His Kingdom come, His will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

For His is the power, His is the glory, His is the Kingdom forever. Amen.

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** Photo By Cottonbro Studios at Pexels