172. Let’s Have A Laugh — Aneel Aranha

Hello and welcome to The Hope Podcast. I'm Aneel Aranha. Today, we will talk about something we don't often associate with faith: the spiritual value of humor.

Laughter might seem out of place in serious spiritual discussions, but the Bible isn't devoid of humor. Proverbs 17:22 tells us, "A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones." This suggests that joy and laughter have a place in our spiritual lives.

Jesus himself used humor in his teachings. His comment about a camel going through the eye of a needle (Matthew 19:24) was a humorous exaggeration to make a point. His nickname for James and John, "Sons of Thunder" (Mark 3:17), likely had a touch of playful teasing.

Even in the Old Testament, we find moments of divine wit. When Sarah laughed at the idea of having a child in her old age, God named the child Isaac, which means "laughter" (Genesis 21:6).

How can we incorporate holy humor into our spiritual lives? First, don't be afraid to laugh at yourself. Humility and humor often go hand in hand. Recognizing our own quirks and mistakes can keep us from taking ourselves too seriously.

Use humor to build bridges. A well-timed joke can ease tensions and open hearts. As it says in the Book of Proverbs, "Light in a messenger's eyes brings joy to the heart" (Proverbs 15:30).

Remember that joy is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). Cultivating a sense of humor can be a way of nurturing that joy.

However, let's be mindful. Our humor should uplift, not tear down. And it shouldn’t be vulgar. Paul warns against "obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking" (Ephesians 5:4), reminding us that our words, even in jest, should be gracious.

As you embrace holy humor, you might find that it brings a new lightness to your faith. It can make you more approachable, your message more relatable, and your joy in the Lord more evident.

After all, as G.K. Chesterton once said, "Angels can fly because they take themselves lightly." Perhaps a touch of holy humor can help our spirits soar as well.

God bless you.