Coarse and Careless
When political leaders begin to shape the language of the church
Our current president is one of the most effective branders of our time. Few public figures have shaped the vocabulary of an era quite like Donald Trump. Through repetition, emotion, and sheer force of personality, he has mainstreamed phrases that once lived on the margins: “Fake news.” “Witch hunt.” “Make America Great Again.” “Enemy of the people.” “Sad!”
These aren’t just slogans — they’re signals. They’ve reshaped the emotional tone of our public life, giving permission for outrage, suspicion, and contempt to masquerade as strength. Even more sobering, many of these words have been adopted — sometimes unconsciously — by Christians and church leaders around the world. We’ve learned to brand, to battle, to “own the narrative,” often at the expense of embodying the truth in love.
Language reveals formation.
The words we use expose who we’re becoming. And if we are not careful, the speech of the Church begins to sound more like cable news than the Sermon on the Mount.
In a time when public and political speech has grown coarse and careless,
let the people of God be known for words that heal, not harm.
Ten phrases that should remain central to the language of those who follow Jesus.
“I’m sorry.”
Because repentance is the doorway to grace.
“I was wrong.”
Defensiveness isn’t a fruit of the Spirit; truth often speaks loudest through confession.
“I forgive you.”
It is the gateway to freedom.
“Can you help me?”
Vulnerability breaks isolation, honors real-life limitations, and invites the Spirit to move through others.
“Thank you.”
Gratitude turns moments into worship.
“Tell me more.”
Compassionate curiosity was central to the way of Christ.
“Can I pray for you?”
A gentle invitation into spiritual connection and care.
“You belong here.”
Because the gospel continues to widen the family boundaries.
“That’s got to be hard.”
Empathy is not a sin. It is central to the life of Christ.
“God loves you — and… God likes you.”
The most powerful thing we may ever say to another.
When truth gets twisted,
and cruelty suddenly gets applause,
may the Church sound different.
Let them speak to dominate.
We’ll speak to redeem.