Can Christians Be Funny?

Laughter. It’s one of my favorite things. If we can’t see the humor in life and share a chuckle with loved ones over the absurdities of what we observe, then I wonder if we really appreciate the world around us at all. However, over the years, I’ve met more than my fair share of believers who see no room in the Christian life for silliness, jokes, and a good old-fashioned side-splitting laugh. These laughless children of God look at people like me as if we aren’t faithful followers of Christ. So, do these critics of fun have a point? Can Christians be funny or not?

Be Sober

God’s Word isn’t hesitant in the command to be sober. No, I’m not referring to alcohol, but Christians should certainly avoid excessive alcohol consumption (or, as I see it, any at all). In this case, I mean sober the way Got Questions defines it. “We do not allow ourselves to be captivated by any type of influence that would lead us away from sound judgment.” Here are some examples from Scripture.

“Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

1 Peter 1:13 (ESV)

“The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.”

1 Peter 4:7 (ESV)

“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”

1 Peter 5:8 (ESV)

“But as for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.”

2 Timothy 4:5 (ESV)

This word, sober, is at the foundation of many Christians’ defense against humor. In their understanding, sober-mindedness requires unwavering seriousness and focus on mission. All things, and I mean all, are 100% for the Kingdom. It sounds admirable, but it removes some of God’s blessings from our lives when we refuse to enjoy what God has given us. Will laughter strip away our discernment?  Does a light-hearted lunch with friends lead us astray and closer to embracing the sin we warned others against days before? Friend, I daresay, though some don’t have much of a sense of humor, Christians can be funny.

Christians Can Be Funny: It’s Natural

Look Around You

Creation is funny. Have you ever watched animals living out their lives? Sometimes, folks, they are hilarious. Duck-billed platypus, anyone?

Many years ago, my family saw two tortoises at a small local zoo, and we still laugh about it today. They looked old and cranky, and one kept making a noise that sounded like it was yelling at the other. One of us pointed out that they sounded like an old married couple, and that small moment turned into uproarious laughter. The remainder of the day consisted of tortoise impressions and imagining the conversation those two would have. No one was hurt by our laughter. The joke wasn’t inappropriate by any standard. We were simply a family enjoying the world God created and the imaginations He has given us.

Have You Even Met A Child???

I have spent most of my adult life around children. I worked as a reading and math tutor, a specialized therapist for children with autism, and a school social worker. After becoming a Christian, I ended up serving in nursery, children’s church, VBS, youth group, and other kids’ ministries. Oh, I also have five kids of my own. I tell you all this to make it clear that I’m coming from a place of experience. Kids are absolutely hilarious!

Children say things that confound the wisest adults, and they don’t hold back their impulses to celebrate, emote, and love. Inevitably, these tendencies lead to laughter and a very deep desire to squeeze those precious cheeks. As we grow into adulthood, we appropriately tone all these things down, but can you see how natural and innocent laughter and being funny can be? We need to grow up, but we don’t need to deaden the youthful energy and enthusiasm we used to have in abundance. Rather, we should learn to express that side of ourselves as appropriate.

Sometimes We Need A Good Laugh

When We’re Down

A shoulder to cry on or a gifted counselor can be a blessing to a person experiencing sorrow or discouragement. In my experience, though, at some point those same people need to laugh. They need to release the tension of the situation and those heavy emotions. Not everyone knows how or when, but for those who do, a well-timed joke can be most welcome. I can’t fully explain it, but maybe it’s a reminder that there is still joy to be had. Perhaps it just offers a break from the heaviness that person feels, but I know it can help, whatever the reason.

To Pull Us Together

I’ve experienced a similar need for laughter in much less sad circumstances. One time, I had a responsibility at a ladies’ event that required me to present some information in front of a large group of women. We were kicking off a two-day retreat, so everyone was still settling in. Somehow, I ended up making people laugh. It was likely my fear of public speaking that kicked into high gear or something. Anyway, I feared I had overstepped because my job was just to announce some things. Would you believe that I had loads of ladies approach me later to thank me for the laughter? Breaking the ice was the most common expression I heard.

Many of the women were happy to bond over a few funny remarks and set the tone for what was meant to be a refreshing time away. Laughter can create fast bonds and foster friendly and welcoming environments, especially when we’re a little uncomfortable or uncertain. The ladies would have had a wonderful time whether or not I made them laugh, but as far as I could tell, the women appreciated a little humor to get them going.

What About The Bible?

Well, God doesn’t have a direct commandment on whether or not Christians should be funny, but we can find some guiding principles.

“You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound.”

Psalm 4:7 (ESV)

“Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!”

Psalm 32:11 (ESV)

“A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”

Proverbs 17:22 (ESV)

None of these verses discuss telling a joke or laughing. Nowhere in these lines will you find reference to the importance of a good sense of humor. You do, however, find the word joy. Believers understand joy is not a temporal emotion like happiness. We can have joy in the Lord while mourning the loss of a loved one or in the midst of battling cancer. Joy allows us to praise God in all circumstances. We can express that joy through prayer, song, written and spoken word, dance (by far the least Baptist thing I’ve ever said), and even laughter.

Sarah

At ninety years old, Sarah gave birth to Isaac. Ninety! Sarah’s husband, Abraham, was one hundred years old! Sarah must have been filled with gratitude to God for blessing her with a child she thought would never come. She also must have understood the humor in the situation. Do you remember what she said?

“And Sarah said, ‘God has made laughter for me; everyone who hears will laugh over me.’ And she said, ‘Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? Yet I have borne him a son in his old age.’”

Genesis 21:6 (ESV)

This is an emotionally complicated event. We read it, accept it, and move on. On the other hand, Sarah experienced it. She had just received a “yes” to a decades long prayer. She was joyful, thankful, and understood how funny it was. Laughter can be wrapped up in all that. And I’d like to add that she was correct. I’ve personally witnessed women laughing when they realize how old Sarah was when she had Isaac. Women smile and laugh while exclaiming, “Can you imagine!”

Funny Stuff In The Bible

Bible teachers will often refer to humor in the Bible, and honestly, I missed that for years. Where was this alleged humor, and how did I miss it? To be fair, sometimes the humor goes over our heads because word play gets lost in translation. Moreover, the chasm between our culture and that in the Bible requires study we often don’t do. However, there is still humor we can see today without being a biblical scholar or language expert.

“And at noon Elijah mocked them, saying, ‘Cry aloud, for he is a god. Either he is musing, or he is relieving himself, or he is on a journey, or perhaps he is asleep and must be awakened.’”

1 Kings 18:27 (ESV)

The Prophets of Baal tried to call their god to send fire and burn up their sacrifice. This would prove their god was the true god. Of course, no fire came because Baal is not real, and First Kings records Elijah making a joke. Maybe your god’s taking so long because he’s on the toilet, guys. I’ve yet to meet a teen who doesn’t think this is top shelf humor.

“You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.”

Matthew 7:5 (ESV)

This above verse is Jesus speaking about judging correctly. In order to make his point, He uses hyperbole. The mental image of someone removing a log out of her own eye is memorable and funny. It’s especially funny when we compare it to the speck with which the brother is contending. No one is arguing that Jesus was a stand-up comedian, but He clearly understood and used language in a humorous way at times (i.e., Matthew 19:24; 23:24; Mark 1:7).

Finally, this isn’t an example of humor in the Bible, but we shouldn’t ignore it.

“a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;”

Ecclesiastes 3:4 (ESV)

According to the Bible, there is, in fact, a time to laugh. And dance… Just sayin’.

Christians Can Be Funny: If They’re Careful

Like everything else in this world, humor is tainted by sin. Thanks to the Fall, humor can be rooted in sin and even hurt other people.

Watch Your Mouth

“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”

Ephesians 4:29 (ESV)

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

Ephesians 5:4 (ESV)

The world loves humor that makes light of sin and is filled with filth and foul language. As we can see, though, God instructs us to be careful with our speech. We should ask ourselves if we are hurting our testimony for the sake of being funny. A cheap laugh isn’t worth that, ladies.

Ouch!

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.”

Proverbs 18:21 (ESV)

With just our words, we can tear someone down, ruin relationships, and hurt our own reputations. Some folks think adding, “I’m just kidding” or “It was only a joke” at the end of hurtful words makes the consequences disappear. But we all know better because each of us has been at the receiving end of a destructive tongue.

Can Christians Be Funny Responsibly?

A lot of believers see humor as a landmine for possible offense and sin. I don’t disagree, but I would extend that observation to all speech. If you’re opening your mouth, you might sin or offend someone. The key is to be thoughtful and not spout off every funny thing you think. This is when self-control and common sense enter that scene.

Common Sense Ways To Be Funny Without Hurting Or Offending

1. Be careful with your timing.

There is a time and place for humor, so be thoughtful about this. Anyone who knows me in the slightest knows I’m a laugher. I enjoy life and want others to enjoy it, too. In social settings, I’m your typical class clown. On the other hand, I do have an off switch.

One time, a friend of mine was dealing with an incredibly scary and painful thing in her life. She was planted in the midst of heartache and fear, and I came over to be with her. This wasn’t the time for a joke or funny story. She just needed a friend to be there. Can you imagine how hurtful it would be to a person in emotional and spiritual distress if you came in with a bunch of jokes? Know how to read the room and determine what someone needs from you. Just because you can be funny doesn’t mean you should always be funny.

2. Do you have the relationship for this joke?

Not everyone is close enough to us to joke around with. My husband, the poor man, endures all my hijinks, but he (usually) enjoys my humor. And, yes, this man returns my gentle teasing with some of his own. We know how to interact that way, though, without harm. Meanwhile, if you’ve just met someone or aren’t particularly close, you might want to hold back the funny a little.

3. Sarcasm may not be your friend.

Sarcasm is my heart language. That’s what I jokingly tell people, but it’s kind of true. I grew up in a home that dripped with sarcasm, and then I developed into a woman who could make you laugh or cry in a just a few carefully selected words. It sounds like a superpower, but what good is tearing someone down going to do?

I know quite a few Christians reject sarcasm completely. I can’t argue against that because I see the wisdom in it. But I see sarcasm as nonproblematic, too, if it’s done correctly. Essentially, sarcasm is a way of using irony, often to display contempt. It’s easy to see how this is potentially problematic. The question, at least for me, is where is it aimed? Sarcasm that points out something funny about a thing rather than a person can be hilarious and safe. Of course, there is somewhere else to aim that joke.

4. Pick on yourself.

Some of the funniest things I’ve ever heard have been from a comic about the comic himself. Of course, this doesn’t mean to truly say mean things about yourself, but you won’t offend yourself with your own jokes. And interestingly, people love to laugh at others’ self-deprecating humor.

5. Some people just don’t get it.

No matter what you say or how you say it, some people just won’t think you’re funny. In other instances, some folks won’t have much of a sense of humor. The end. Show them love and respect by not trying to force your humor on them.

Final Thought

God gave us laughter, imagination, and joy. These are wonderful ingredients for humor, and if we avoid sin, Christians can be funny. They can experience light-hearted laughs and amusement all while not dishonoring God. Don’t neglect the gift of laughter and humor because someone give you side-eye. May I suggest that you laugh it off?

Do you feel like there is room in our faith for Christians to be funny?

Image courtesy of Tim Mossholder via Unsplash.