A joke or an insult?

Ephesians 5:4

"Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving."

Nothing really beats a good laugh. Whether you're watching a comedy show, listening to the funny comments of a DJ while tuned in to a radio program, or just having a good chat with friends or family.

Most of the time, a good laugh is caused by a funny joke cracked up by someone. More often than not, a joke tends to become an indirect attack to person which we think is funny or is worth laughing at. Sometimes, people tend to forget that emotions can be hurt in the process.

And I am guilty of this most of the time. I tend to crack up jokes which seems funny but can be really offensive or insulting to another person. For the sake of laughter, I tend to forget that I can be hurting someone else's emotion.

Ephesians 5:4 serves as a wake up call for me and for those with the same "joker" attitude.

Paul tells us in Chapter 5 that we should have a Christ like attitude and behavior. This of course includes the way we speak to others. Specifically, in verse 4, Paul tells us that we should watch our mouths when talking to others. We should not speak or act in a way that may degrade, offend, or insult another person. For this kind of behavior does not please the Lord. Instead, things that would build up or give blessings to others should flood our mouth.

We must always remember that if we really are in Christ, we should only do things that would be pleasing to God. And hurting someone's feelings is not pleasing at all. It's nice to have a good laugh. But if you'll eventually hurt someone and insult God in the process, you might want to just clear that thought from your head.

Reflect on this: Have you ever told a joke to someone that really offended him/her? If yes, what did you feel? Are you living the way God wants you to live by telling jokes that can be insulting?

Prayer: Lord, what Paul said in Ephesians 5:4 convicts me. I am indeed guilty of having filthy, foolish, and crude words come out from my mouth. Instead of giving thanks to you, I insult you in the process. And I ask forgiveness for this.

Dear God, change the way I speak to others. Instead of malicious, green, or insulting words come from my mouth. Let it be words that show care, love and humility. Let your words resonate in my heart so I could share them with others. Let thanksgiving flow from the inner depths of my soul towards other people. Glorifying you, God, in the process.

Guide me Lord, show me the way you want me to live. I put all my faith in you. For you alone can change me. Lead me. Save me. Amen.