Just Joking

Bible Reading: Romans 12:9-18

Landon and his friend Johnny went into the house to fill their water bottles before soccer practice. “I bet Colin has failed every math test we’ve had this year,” Landon said as he held his bottle under the dispenser.

“Yeah,” said Johnny. “And when we laughed and asked if he could help us with our math homework, he looked like he was gonna cry. He can’t even take a joke.”

Landon’s mom frowned and looked like she was about to say something when Johnny said, “We gotta go, Landon! Coach will be mad if we’re late.” They grabbed their gear and headed out.

The next day, Landon worked on a birdhouse he was building. He was pounding a nail when—“OUCH!” he yelled. He dropped the hammer and began to hop around, holding his finger and groaning. He looked up when he heard someone laughing.

“You look so silly!” His sister Sarah howled with laughter.

“It’s not funny!” Landon wailed, hurrying into the house. “It hurts!”

As Mom put ice on Landon’s finger, he complained about his sister’s teasing. “That was so mean. It’s not funny to laugh at someone’s pain!”

“I completely agree,” said Mom. “Which reminds me—I wanted to talk to you about what you and Johnny said in the kitchen yesterday.”

“You mean about asking Colin to help us with math? We were just teasing!”

“Sometimes teasing is very painful,” said Mom. “Especially when you’re teased about something that hurts already. God never laughs at us when we feel bad. In fact, Jesus promises to be with us in our pain. He went through terrible suffering Himself so He could save us, and He cares about our feelings. And He wants us to care about others when they’re hurting—not laugh at them.”

Landon looked away. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt Colin’s feelings. We were just joking around.”

“And sometimes joking around is okay,” said Mom. “But not when it makes someone feel bad. I know you didn’t mean to hurt Colin’s feelings, but since you did, I think you should tell him you’re sorry too.”

Landon sighed. “Okay.” He smiled at his mom. “Maybe I should offer to help him with his math homework—no joking around this time!” -Melissa M. Bamberg

How About You?

Do you sometimes tease people and laugh at them? Joking around can be fun, but it needs to be fun for everyone. Don’t make jokes that others might find hurtful. God says to rejoice with those who are happy and to weep with those who are sad. He says to love others the way He loves you. Be sensitive to the feelings of others, just like Jesus cares about your feelings and would never do anything to hurt you.

Today’s Key Verse:
John 13:34 A new command I [Jesus] give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. (NIV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Don’t make hurtful jokes