When Jokes Hurt

Hi everyone, I hope you’re all fine by God’s grace. Today’s post is about the impact of our jokes. 
Most of us are fond of making others laugh, but at times, we say things which aren’t true and we hurt others with it. When time comes to apologize, we refuse to, because we say “it was just a joke, why are you this susceptible?”. 
I believe it’s possible to be a Christian and to be a funny person. However, I doubt that hurting people around us taking “jokes” as pretext is appropriate. 
May The Holy Spirit grant us discernment with respect to joking as we look at the following verses on the topic.
1. Our speech is to be refined  
Ephesians 5:4 NIV

Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.

Christians are the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Others may have it wrong about this, but we can’t afford to. It’s our responsibility to speak with wisdom and to avoid saying things which are out of place. 
2. Some people have a hidden agenda behind jokes 
Proverbs 26:18‭-‬19 NIV

Like a maniac shooting flaming arrows of death  is one who deceives their neighbor and says, “I was only joking!”

Some people really intend to hurt others, but when their intentions have been discovered, they try to cover things up by saying it was just for fun. Christians shouldn’t do such things. In trying to be funny, we shouldn’t try to hurt others. 
3. Every word counts

Matthew 12:36 NIV

But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken.

Our words have to be chosen with wisdom, because God hears us and knows every single thing we say. 
4. With time others won’t take us seriously 
Genesis 19:14 NIV

So Lot went out and spoke to his sons-in-law, who were pledged to marry his daughters. He said, “Hurry and get out of this place, because the Lord is about to destroy the city!” But his sons-in-law thought he was joking.

If you’re always joking, people will get sick or tired of it, and the day you’ll be serious about something, they won’t believe you any longer because you’re “always joking”. 
Finally, beloved Christian, let’s ask wisdom to The Lord on how to deal with the idea of joking. We may not have it all together, but God is faithful to help us when we ask for His guidance. 
Prayer 
Eternal Lord King of Glory, please grant me wisdom of lips, even when I want to have fun. In Jesus Christ’s Name I pray. Amen 
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God bless you all. 
Thanks for reading.