Christians love a good euphemism. We don’t break up—we “feel led in a different direction.” We don’t avoid confrontation—we “guard our hearts.” And we definitely don’t say we’re confused and spiraling—we say we’re “in a season of waiting.”
Somewhere between Scripture and the group text, we developed a second language. A kind of spiritual code that sounds profound but mostly just helps us avoid saying what we actually mean. It’s poetic. It’s passive-aggressive. It’s… extremely confusing if you’re new here.
So whether you’ve grown up fluent in Christianese or you’re just trying to figure out why your Bible study leader keeps calling everything “a God thing,” here’s a no-filter guide to what we’re really saying when we speak in sanctified subtext.
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“I’ll pray about it.”
Translation: I’m not doing that.
The ultimate spiritual stall tactic. “I’ll pray about it” sounds holy and thoughtful, but let’s be real—it usually means “This is a no, but I don’t want to say no out loud.” You’re not joining that serve team. You’re not going on that mission trip. You’re definitely not texting that guy back. But sure, you’ll “pray about it.”
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“Let’s do life together.”
Translation: I’ll like your Instagram story and maybe invite you to Friendsgiving.
This phrase implies vulnerability, shared burdens and deep connection. In reality, it often means sending the occasional “you got this!!” text and waving across the church lobby once a month. The spirit is willing, but the group chat is chaotic.
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“Guard your heart.”
Translation: Please stop emotionally spiraling via text.
Originally a solid piece of biblical advice, this phrase has been co-opted into romantic shorthand. It usually means someone’s getting too emotionally invested too fast—or trying to use Scripture to justify their situationship boundaries. Either way, if someone drops this line, it’s time to log off and touch grass.
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“Season of waiting.”
Translation: I’m barely holding it together.
It sounds serene, like something you’d whisper while journaling in a field. But behind the scenes, you’re wrestling with anxiety, refreshing job boards at 2 a.m. and trying not to scream every time someone says “God’s timing.” It’s not just a season—it’s an emotional weather system.
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“God laid it on my heart.”
Translation: I have a strong opinion and I’d like to blame it on divine inspiration.
This is the Christian way of saying “Don’t question me.” Whether it’s about switching careers, starting a TikTok ministry or texting your ex one more time for “closure,” invoking God’s name shuts down all pushback. It’s hard to argue with the Almighty—even if He maybe didn’t co-sign this one.
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“That’s not where God is calling me.”
Translation: I really don’t want to do this.
Not feeling that volunteer opportunity? Don’t want to attend the retreat? Just say God isn’t calling you there. It’s the perfect spiritual escape hatch. Bonus points if you say it with a thoughtful head nod, as if you’ve been fasting and praying about it for weeks.
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“It’s a God thing.”
Translation: I need this random thing to mean something.
Whether it’s a last-minute parking spot or a surprise text from your crush, sometimes you just need to believe the universe isn’t random. And maybe it isn’t. But sometimes “It’s a God thing” is just our way of giving spiritual weight to the chaos we can’t explain.
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“I’m being refined.”
Translation: Everything in my life is on fire and I’m trying to make it sound biblical.
This phrase sounds poetic and theologically rich. In reality, it’s the spiritual version of “I’m not okay.” You’re overwhelmed, underpaid and clinging to Romans 8:28 like it’s a life raft. Refinement sounds holy—because “emotional dumpster fire” doesn’t look as good on your story.
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“Community is so important.”
Translation: I’m lonely and deeply over church small talk.
This line is always true. But when people say it over and over, it’s usually because they feel disconnected, unseen or burnt out by surface-level friendships. They’re not asking for a sermon. They’re asking for someone to ask how they’re actually doing and maybe stick around long enough to hear the answer.
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“Just trust God.”
Translation: I have no advice and I’m uncomfortable.
It’s not wrong. But it’s often a placeholder when someone doesn’t know what to say. You’re crying, stressed, spiraling—and they drop this vague encouragement like a spiritual mic drop. Trusting God is good. But sometimes, we need a little more than a slogan and a side hug.
Let’s Call It What It Is
Christian slang isn’t inherently bad. It helps us connect, signal belonging and avoid cussing in front of the youth group. But when we overuse it, we risk replacing real vulnerability with recycled phrases that sound holy but mean nothing.
So next time you say you’re in a “season of waiting,” maybe just admit you’re frustrated and confused. If you “feel led to step away,” maybe just say what you’re actually feeling. Because at the end of the day, honesty is more Christlike than any catchphrase—and community doesn’t start with a slogan. It starts with telling the truth.
