Proverbs 17:22 “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”
Who doesn’t like to laugh? Everyone enjoys a good chuckle. As it turns out, laughter is more powerful than what we might think. The scripture proves to be spot on when a few thousand years ago it described laughter as “good medicine.” Studies show laughter improves our immune system, helps reduce stress, and increases circulation. One study even found people with a strong sense of humor outlived those who didn’t laugh as much.
So humor is an essential part of a healthy life. But I’m afraid the positive qualities of humor are being twisted today. Instead of building people up, the sharp knives of sarcasm are ripping them to shreds. All boundaries of decency and respect for those who disagree with certain comedians’ viewpoints have been removed. “Funny” is being replaced with mockery and ridicule which is anything but funny. All for a few laughs.
I’ll never forget when I was first convicted of using humor in a hurtful manner. We were at a party, having a good ole time. Laughter flowed. As sometimes happens in those settings, one person emerged as the butt of the jokes. I hate to admit it, but I was on a roll. I missed the warning signs my humor was going too far. When my friend told me days later how much my joking affected him, I was stunned. I had no intention of hurting him. But that didn’t make me innocent. That incident happened over forty years ago. I still cringe when I think of it. All for a few laughs.
I don’t think Jesus likes it when we use his gifts to hurt other people. People made in his image, just like us. Is getting a few laughs really worth belittling someone’s dignity? Even if we think a person needs to be taken down a notch or two, is God assigning us to do it? We must not fall into the trap of using humor to replace the need for a direct conversation.
Humor used to hurt people robs humor of its medicinal qualities. In fact, it turns humor into poison. Let’s not do that. Let’s refuse to denigrate others and not laugh at those who do. A few laughs isn’t worth it.