Jokes and sarcasm are acceptable for Christians, but it is important to discern what kinds of jokes are consistent with our mission to effectively communicate the gospel of Christ. To understand how believers should view jokes and sarcasm and whether they can engage in them, we must turn to the Bible.
The ethics and values behind jokes and humor may not be at the top of Christian’s concerns, but it is something we should think about. In an episode of the SpongeBob SquarePants TV show called “Squirrel Jokes”, SpongeBob realizes that a joke about his friend Sandy the Chipmunk in a comedy performance is getting rave reviews from the audience. Eager to please the crowd, he continues to mock the chipmunks, claiming that they are idiots. Sandy goes to SpongeBob privately and tells him that the jokes are annoying, but he doesn’t listen. To prove her point, Sandy invites SpongeBob to her house and acts as he has shown in his pranks. SpongeBob quickly learns that telling “harmless” jokes about his friends isn’t safe at all.
Many people, including Christians, can make others feel bad about themselves with jokes or comments that they think are “harmless.” For example, when a woman makes a sarcastic comment about a colleague’s outfit, or a group of teenagers make fun of someone who doesn’t fit in, words become a weapon to cut and destroy others.
What does the Bible say about Christians joking and sarcasm?
One of the most well-known verses that apply to jokes and sarcasm is Ephesians chapter 5 verse 4. In this verse, Paul writes:
“There should not be ugly and useless words and nasty jokes among you, but instead of them there should be gratitude to God”
Paul gives this command after a section that focuses on the Christian life (see Ephesians 4:17-32). He emphasizes the need to follow Jesus and walk in the way of love, which does not include living in sexual immorality, impurity, and greed (Ephesians 5:1-3). A sinful life and words do not match the identity of a believer as a child of God.
Sarcasm and mean jokes involve using words to hurt and humiliate others. Joking is not always with bad intentions, but sarcasm is specifically used to make fun of others. As Harold W. In the section on Ephesians in the book Wisdom of the Bible: New Testament Edition, Honer states, “Paul did not mean that humor itself is a sin, but rather that humor is wrong when it is used to destroy or humiliate others. (Victor Publishing, 1983, page 638). Many hurtful sarcasms or jokes are meant to hurt another person, when that is not how God wants us to use our words (see Ephesians 4:29).
Reflect Christ in our humor
All these discussions stem from the biblical truth that what we do and say reveals the condition of our hearts. As Jesus said:
The words we use come from within us. Those who use foul language, hurtful sarcasm, and nasty jokes show that their hearts are corrupt and enslaved by sin.
Christians are called to a different way of life. We have been cleansed by the blood of Christ and are now a new creation because of our relationship with Him (see 1 John 1:7 and 2 Corinthians 5:17). We are no longer slaves to sin, but have been set free to live as God’s beloved children (Galatians 4:7). Harsh and ugly languages do not fit our new identities.
Is joking or sarcasm always wrong?
Christians should not think that Ephesians 5:4 means that we can never enjoy a joke or joke with another. Contrary to what some Christians think, the Christian life should be full of joy (see John 15:11). It is not a sin to smile, laugh or have fun.
Sometimes a good joke can lift someone’s spirits. As Proverbs chapter 17 verse 22 reminds us: “A happy heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones” (new translation). Humor brightens up life and reminds us not to take ourselves too seriously.
If all jokes are not out of malice or sin, then we can know that humor can be good. And whatever is good is from God (Jacob chapter 1 verse 17). Thus, an entertaining conversation full of laughter is a blessing from God.
Today in the article : God Loves Laughter but Where Do Christians Draw We reviewed useful information about the Bible and the way of Jesus. If you wish, you can view other articles of Ali Vahidi about Christianity
