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Laughter By Robert Berendt There are different types of laughter -- some to be enjoyed, and some to be avoided.
esearch has once again verified what the Bible has told us for thousands of years: laughter is good medicine. God inspired that message in Proverbs 17:22 when the writer noted, "A merry heart does good, like medicine." There is nothing quite as delightful as the giggle and laughter of a little baby. There is something so pure and happy about that sound that it brings a smile to our faces.
Authorities in the medical profession inform us that laughter releases endorphins which make us feel happy. Laughter also relieves stress and increases red blood cell count. That's quite amazing when we stop to think about it. Another benefit of laughter is that people migrate towards a happy person. That old adage, "Laugh and the world laughs with you -- cry and you cry alone," does carry some weight. There is something about the laughter we hear that tugs at triggers in our minds. We can tell when a person is laughing wholeheartedly, and when his or her laughter rings false. When little children laugh, or when people are enjoying a really good belly laugh, we smile and laugh with them. We may not even know why a person is laughing, but nevertheless, it is infectious. There are, however, different kinds of laughter.
I can also remember sitting in a large audience when a respected speaker told a joke. Everyone was laughing, but for the life of me, I did not get the joke at all. I am not sure that everyone around me did either, but for some reason we do not want to appear foolish when we don't understand a joke. We may smile or twitter a bit, but the laughter is contrived and phony. I can recall a number of times when someone in a high position was telling a story that was intended to be humorous and people about him were roaring with laughter, but it was obvious that the laughter was not genuine, and the story was not truly funny. Some people are very poor joke tellers, and wisdom would dictate that they don't try. Likewise, when the person laughing is only making noise for fear that he would be criticized for not appreciating a speaker, or to be polite, it just does not sound "happy."
Another type of laughter is connected to scorn and ridicule. When Jesus said a young girl who died was only sleeping, some "laughed Him to scorn" (Luke 8:53). This was more of a sneering, mocking laugh. There is nothing positive that comes out of such a response. Sometimes when people are afraid of something they cannot understand or that they feel threatened by, they give a nervous laugh. Jesus knew His followers would have periods of great concern and sober contemplation -- even periods of weeping. But He promised the time would come for them to laugh (Luke 6:21); a time in which they would leap for joy (Luke 6:23). God is clearly not against joy, happiness, laughter and healthy mirth. He created the ability for humans to have and develop a sense of humor, but He does not develop it for us. As in so many areas of life, our great Creator places choices before us and gives us abilities. As we choose wisely and well, our ability to choose also improves. A good sense of humor is a vital key to maintaining a hopeful and positive outlook on life. There is "a time to weep, and a time to laugh" (Ecclesiastes 3:4).
In times of trouble, a good sense of humor will cushion us. In good times, it enhances life. Let us not lose this valuable gift from God. Learn to laugh, and it will add years to your life. Further reading For more on the subject of a healthy mind, please read our article, "The Bible's Keys to Mental Health." Copyright 2010 by United Church of God, an International Association All rights reserved. |
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Origin of article "Laughter"
Keywords: laughter scorn redicule negative laughter
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