Many spouses see laughter as a frivolous use of time. Yes, it feels good to laugh but nothing important gets accomplished. Others spouses see it as a denial of reality. With so much sorrow and sadness in the world, how we can we ignore the suffering in our lives and laugh? Still others have become cynical or embittered in their marriage. They find nothing to laugh about given all the pain their spouse or marriage is causing them.
Yet, the Scriptures take a different opinion. Solomon, perhaps the wisest man ever to write a book, says that laughter is good medicine and that a merry heart has a continual feast.
Why should couples look for the humor in life and enjoy laughter with one another on a daily basis?
1. Laughter is a form of humility. — It means we don’t take ourselves too seriously. That’s a very effective way to combat pride or self-focus which can do much damage to our own spiritual and emotional health.
2. Laughter is a form of rest. — It allows us to take a much needed break from the stress and serious business of marriage and relax for a moment. The Bible clearly teaches our lives are to have a rhythm to them of work and rest, work and rest, work and rest.
3. Laughter is a form of worship. — Joy, merriment, and laughter all find their roots in the image of God. In other words God created them and gave them to us to enjoy. When we are filled with joy, merriment, and laughter we are acknowledging and enjoying one aspect of our Creator God — and that can become worship.
4. Laughter is a form of love. — When we give our spouse the gift of joy or laughter, we are nourishing their hearts, lifting their spirits, and encouraging them to press on. Whenever we build our spouse up in this way, we are showing love toward them.
“All the days of the oppressed are wretched, but the cheerful heart has a continual feast.” Proverbs 15:15
Remember, marriage is for better for worse for keeps.
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About Cheryl Moeller
Cheryl Moeller has been married to her best friend Bob for 30 years. They are the parents of six children, one son-in-law, and three lively dogs. She uses her over-the-counter-top stand up comedy at women's groups and retreats, prays like it's her full-time job, writes a syndicated humor column, blogs about life with lots of kids at www.momlaughs.blogspot.com, and authors books such as Keep Courting: 100 Ways to Keep Courting After Marriage (purchase on their website) and Marriage Miracle (Harvest House 2010). Bob and Cheryl's passion is to connect two hearts for a lifetime. They have co-founded For Better For Worse For Keeps Ministries www.bobandcherylmoeller.com.
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