When a joke has gone too far...

When a joke has gone too far…

 

 

Ok, so I didn’t even plan on posting today, but something occurred that made me feel like it was worth the time. 

If you know me at all, you’re aware of how ridiculously sarcastic I can be.  I’ll admit, it can go overboard sometimes.  As I was turned around on the receiving end of the spectrum, however, I discovered the impact this “sarcasm” can have if it gets too out of hand.

The truth: There’s a time and place for sarcasm, and we must be very cautious as to how we use it.

Death and life are in the power of the tongue Proverbs 18:21

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

He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin. Proverbs 13:3

Literally, I could go on forever. There are over 100 verses about the power of “the tongue” in the Bible.  Obviously, this is of great importance.

Am I suggesting that all sarcasm is bad? Not in the least! That would just kill me.  However, sarcasm and jokes can do serious damage to others, and we never know what they’re going through.  I mean, if you say, “wow, your ugly” to the girl that sits next to you in science (and you’re totally kidding) that person could be struggling will self-image and you just knocked her down even further.  I find this so sickening, because I feel like we all do it sometimes, simply because we are apathetic or completely oblivious to their personal struggles.

So just a thought; why not be that refreshment of encouragement? You saw it yourself, “death and life are in the power of the tongue.” Imagine the impact if we chose to use our words as an opportunity to build others up. This is something I am definitely going to be working on!

Hope you can relate.

A man who lacks judgment derides his neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his tongue. Proverbs 11:12

-Tamara