When Does Humor Become Sinful?

Ask Pastor John
Episode: 907
Transcript: www.desiringgod.org/interview...

[@KennethNicholson1972]

Humour in and of its self is a gift from God. It is only sinful if its subject matter is Lewd, Oppresive, or indeed in poor taste. Having the ability to rejoice with body shaking laughter in this painful world is a true gift and we should be grateful for it. I feel deep in my heart, and I am certain, that even our Father Himself laughs, especially at some of my obvious mistakes in life, and when I finally understand something obvious. Not in any kind of cruel way, but in the way we as parents laugh when our beloved children do something amusing or silly. Loving laughter. We live in very serious times, in a very cruel world that is run by the evil One and his greedy minions. e should indeed laugh, and share clean humour with others, though not at the expense of others, or indeed in the wrong place at the wrong time. I truly believe that God loves it when we laugh. Share Love, live life, and Laugh. Peace to you all < Ken.

[@marleenvanhamersveld5940]

Kenny Nicholson wise words! 👍🏻

[@NiceOCGuy1981]

I don't think God would laugh at your mistakes because that isn't funny. I think God would hope you learn from mistakes you've made and grow as a person.

[@NiceOCGuy1981]

@John White did I say I know what's on God's mind, no. I do hope he doesn't laugh at our musfortunes, but if he does, yes that is his choice.

[@NiceOCGuy1981]

@John White I never said for certain, I said I don't think God laughs at our misfortunes. If he does, that's his choice.

[@NiceOCGuy1981]

@John White sir I believe you are talking about Kenny Nicholson's response not mine. I think you need to double check.

[@danielroach3904]

I used to laugh alot at inappropriate stuff and I fear sometimes I'm going to laugh at something inappropriate now as a Christian. When I hear a joke sometimes I find myself analyzing it to make sure its acceptable before recieving it. The problem with that is that I lose all spontaneity. Also I dont trust myself to tell jokes now cause I used to make fun of others so easily so now I feel I'm no longer able to be funny and say something without offending someone by accident. Does anyone else have this problem and can someone help me with this?

[@cyrilsneer5957]

I just don't really talk to people anymore. It' ends the hassle

[@geo.0526]

I have this now too. I don't know what to do. Everytime I laugh I feel guilt because I feel I am doing wrong.

[@Christian-Ray]

@@geo.0526 You’re not alone bro. Humor has always been my biggest coping mechanism and is just branded into my personality at this point. I’m also an aspiring comedian who’s trying to get closer to god. But it’s hard when one of my biggest joys in life is also wrong. Idk what to do

[@abundantharmony]

You are holding your vain imaginations and thoughts accountable. 2 Corinthians 10:4-6 4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 6 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.

[@gianna526]

I'm not a religion expert, but I don't think that being funny or joking about someone is inherently sinful. It depends on your meaning behind it. When you see a girl with a crazy hairstyle and you make a joke to your friend, do you find the hair funny or do you have rude thoughts about the girl and want to spread that to your friend. That's how I see it personally.

[@maxmoseley7490]

Jesus HAS to be literally the funniest person to ever exist. One day I’m gonna get to Heaven and hear the greatest one-liner of all time.

[@maxmoseley7490]

John White mate😂 I’m not saying he’s a comedian. I’m literally saying he is going to be a super funny guy. That’s in no way profane.

[@theazure4171]

Of course Jesus will be funny. GOD invented laughter and we will all be laughing when God gets angels to throw into hell all the scum like abortion doctors and would-be-mother sluts who kill their kids. Ill be laughing thats for sure.

[@jedijudoka]

the Azure love and pray for your enemies my man. God does not approve of that kind of hate.

[@cptjoshm]

@@theazure4171 Bible says that God doesn't take delight in the death of the wicked. You're not Glorifying God by saying that. I hope the Holy Spirit convicts you of what you are saying.

[@mrg2235]

I wish you go to heaven

[@1920s]

I'm struggling with this right now. I have no idea what I can actually say. I was saved about 2 months ago, and it seems like my personality is mostly gone. I used to be a funny person, but now I'm frightened to laugh or to joke around about anything.

[@bre4946]

Nahh, I feel u. As long as it's not dirty or would bring someone away from God I think it's good. Ots good to be alert with wat ur doing, but dont live in fear

[@FlowLai]

A lotta things are changing in ur life right now. It takes everyone a while to grow into a mature faith. Trust in the Lord! Love God! All good things come from God, including those things in life that delight us.

[@1920s]

J Franks I’m trying, brother. I’m dealing with a lot of problems right now. Struggling with psychological problems, assurance, and a negative disposition. I just got through pouring my heart out to God asking for Him to grant me love, trust, and faith. Thanks for your reply.

[@FlowLai]

@@1920s Don't worry about assurance. Focus on your mission as a Christian to bring His kingdom to earth as it is in heaven. Trust in the goodness of God. When times are hard, the best thing to do is focus on serving others around you. I will pray for you.

[@1920s]

J Franks I’m trying not to. When I say I’m struggling with assurance I’m talking about that I feel like I’m not one of the elect, and that I’m self deceived and I’m doing what I’m doing out of fear of hell. For the past three months all I’ve been doing is taking salvation tests, and introspecting on a morbid level and then despairing until I’m sitting in the car weeping wishing I had never been born. I have no significant other, no children, no job, and no life skills. I have no friends outside of the internet. I took prescription medication and was misdiagnosed for 27 years, and lived a life of drugs and alcohol. I gave those up about 5 months ago, but now I’m having to revisit medication. Went to the psychiatrist yesterday, and have another appointment today. I’m also trying to find a reformed Christian counselor. The pastor that baptized me offered essentially no support and the pastor at the church I go to now just blamed sin. There is an elder that’s trying to help me but he has a life of his own and is very busy. He, like most other people, also doesn’t understand the terrible psychological state that I’m in. I want to love Christ. I want sincere motives. I want to love the brethren. I want to be a good Christian. I want more faith. It’s all so difficult for me at this point, and most of the time I just feel like a fraud and that I’m lost. Please pray for me. God bless you.

[@pattyblevins2765]

When I am at home and I get tickled about something 😂 I love that - Laughter is good medicine - I feel so good afterwards- it makes dark clouds leave. And you never know when it is going to happen - it is always welcome - to get tickled and belly laugh. 🤣😂😅 I am a Christian so I mean wholesome clean laughter.

[@kuzykn]

What washes up on really small beaches? microwaves! 😄

[@predatorthegamer7288]

Nadia HA I LOVE THIS😂🙏

[@ogfreshorange5877]

nice lol

[@PrestonMiller39]

See this is good humor, doesn't belittle anyone or talks about anything inappropriate just don't be superficial and always try to be funny in every situation and let people when their sad let them get their tears out

[@Mothobius]

@@PrestonMiller39 I can't lie, I usually only like dirty jokes or dark jokes. These type a jokes too simple

[@skullknight6584]

Humor is negative if it is: 1. Corrupting 2. Ill-timed 3. Ego centric 4. Demeaning 5. Superficial

[@cyrilsneer5957]

Best to avoid humour

[@IgonDrakeWarrior]

Well guess we can’t have humor either. Being Christian is so fun

[@PrestonMiller39]

@@IgonDrakeWarrior we do have humor but just don't tell jokes that are inappropriate, makes fun of people just so you look clever, or when it doesn't fit the occasion, Basically there's a time to tell jokes and there's a time to be serious like when someone is going threw a hard time in life for example they lost a loved one you need to let them be sad cause the tears help them heal, like they always say let it out

[@slick_Ric]

​@@IgonDrakeWarrior i mean mostly it's we don't need humor to cope so much as people do when they don't know God

[@clickon4126]

This video helped me a lot.

[@googlemap1280]

I personally found it difficult to fap to

[@gwendolynwehage6336]

Constant joking is to show off, to hide ones real self. When humor is spontaneous because something funny happened is different from foolish jesting to gain the attention of others. I have seen this many times with family members. They try to think up jokes to get people to laugh and their jokes are not funny their just stupid. When we joke just to force others to laugh at us that's a selfish focus. I have decided not to laugh at a joke if its not funny. When people laugh just to make someone feel good, that if they did not laugh the person would feel hurt, then they are lying and encouraging foolishness. A spontaneous joke that is based on what is happening around us seems natural and truly funny. Working up a joke to get people to notice us is not acceptable.

[@NiceOCGuy1981]

Exactly, I think the best solution just don't joke, cuss, or talk filthy. This way no one is offended or disgusted. There are plenty of other ways to bring joy into people's life.

[@darthmader057mmm6]

Therefore all comedians are out the door? GIMME A BREAK!

[@gwendolynwehage6336]

@@darthmader057mmm6 joking about the things of God is the same as mocking God.

[@darthmader057mmm6]

@@gwendolynwehage6336 I don't joke about the things of God. I do joke about things that aren't of him, though. Or wordly things.

[@gwendolynwehage6336]

@@darthmader057mmm6 why would you be speaking about worldly things when in the gathering to worship God? The service should be led by the Holy Spirit and entirely about Christ.

[@davidcassion2495]

Dark Humor is like Noah's Ark not everyone can get

[@marevalo176]

Hehehe

[@stephaniemichelle9878]

Wow what a strange approach to gladness and laughter. My family laughed so much!!! I’m surprised he didn’t mention the tribe of Asher…. Laughing tree.

[@brendeljoey]

thanks for sharing this and thanks to Pastor John for answering this question! Also, adding "" at the beginning of the web address in the description will allow it to be a hyperlink to go directly to the site!

[@robraver]

its very obvious if the joking is sinful. There is plenty to laugh about that doesnt include something thats just dirty. We need humour.

[@sloppyjoecomedy]

I’ve always known my whole life not to tell dirty jokes about s*x, genitals, etc. But it was okay to joke about male parts if I was with my male friends. I’ve also loved dark humor but now I’m questioning what’s right and wrong, what’s too far and what’s okay. I think racist and sexist jokes are okay if you are only joking but now I’m questioning if it’s okay to say jokes about violence, death or diseases.

[@elainesia4892]

@@sloppyjoecomedy racist and sexist jokes are bad :\

[@MomLAU]

Yay, great topic!

[@googlemap1280]

Yay, you're brainwashed!

[@hiiy7507]

Google Map 🗺

[@zcinc6902]

Amen

[@sonofhibbs4425]

Humor is obviously very important to health. And being overly serious about serving God can very definitely get sinful and almost demonic. But finding what is ok to joke about I think is something most Christians are still clueless about. I’ve not found any happy medium. When I thought about it, almost all forms of humor that we know of today seem to fit a category of sin. It’s almost as if there’s some form of clean good humor that somehow went extinct and we are immune to seeing it or laughing with it anymore....kind of like a piece of fruit is not considered a treat anymore, but will lose if a child (or adult) had to choose between it (fruit, made by God, naturally perfectly sweet) and some processed full of sugar junk food. It’s like the tastebuds no longer respond how they should because of the overpowering drug-like lure these bad foods have over us. What’s good for you has no lure, no pull because we’re saturated on the crap so much so we don’t even recognize what is truly good, nor that we are depleating ourselves. I strongly sense that our questioning of what is ok humor is analogous to that. We even have pastors these days who are trying to do a comedy bit and entertain, but are actually blaspheming God in the process. ....and most people eat it up and pass it around as if it’s good. They can’t SEE it.

[@danielroach3904]

I agree. Good points.

[@silentbot6661]

What do you mean overly serious christian can be sinful?

[@googlemap1280]

No. God and Jesus comes first. Humor has no place in the hearts of the followers of Christ. Speak and spread the word of God. That is why you're here... not to laugh at silly anecdotes that tear you away from the TRUTH!!!!

[@silentbot6661]

@@googlemap1280 Brother...we're not robots buddy we can laugh at simple humors just nothing inappropriate

[@googlemap1280]

@@silentbot6661 Brother, such humor is sinful in that it views the moments of our life to be less serious than it is. We are God's children and our act as robots is the most pristine and pure LOVE and GUIDANCE we could offer this sinful world. Never forget that Jesus died for OUR sins and we should never, absolutely never forget or take it for granted. We are the candlelight in the bleak darkness of this world... each gust of demeaning humor or act of sin pushes us further from God. With Love by God, Pastor John

[@chrissonof7607]

What about making light of things that hurt us to lift our spirits

[@MomLAU]

Kids say and do the cutest things in church! Once when a speaker talked about an upcoming singles' meeting and asked how many singles we had there, some little kids' hands went up. That gave everyone a big laugh, because at that age, _of course_ they're single.

[@tualeleistevens3516]

Stay awake my friends and fix your eyes on the seriousness of Christ, than the humourous ways of Satan and the world. We may be in the world, but we are not of it.. God is serious about us to be saved, we shall work out our salvation with trembling and fear.

[@toddstoiber3505]

There is no way one person can have a qualification to answer this. I feel God would chuckle down to you and think it’s cute that ‘you know “

[@spookily1661]

No humor isn’t always sinful but if you are being super mean to somebody maybe yes

[@bloodmooncomix457]

10 years in the faith and I love me some DL Hughley, George Lopez, and Dave Chappelle!🤣 Honest people don't go to hell!😜

[@bjornegan6421]

i'd highly recommend you evaluate yourself and see if you truly are saved. Read 1 John and Hebrews.

[@branlan895]

Dave Chappelle is one of the filthiest comics out there. better be careful with that.

[@gulagbatman1318]

Where can I ask Pastor John questions? Because I'm from Australia

[@BrandonDudley]

email [e-mail]

[@gulagbatman1318]

***** Thanks

[@googlemap1280]

@@BrandonDudley I'm an ugly cunt. Can God work his powers and make me beautiful?

[@buxikiksa5773]

@@googlemap1280 Dude, you can be rude all you want. But exclude us from your foolishness. It's your own to see yourself as ugly but I bet in others eyes you are very handsome/beautiful

[@googlemap1280]

@@buxikiksa5773 I'm waiting for God to work his power sorry. Maybe I can be a beautiful flower one day..

[@leslie8749]

is sarcasm or lying as a joke a sin? im worried because my friend asked me something as a joke and i responded with sarcasm and i didnt mean it in a rude way but i feel like i lied and lying is a sin.

[@cyrilsneer5957]

Jokes lead to hell I guess

[@brecken8663]

@@cyrilsneer5957 what no

[@PrestonMiller39]

I guess if you feel bad for doing that just tell God that your sorry and repent from doing that and try not to do it anymore

[@gianna526]

Sarcasm isn't lying. When you lie you tell a purposeful untruth to benefit yourself, hurt someone else or cover up something you did. When you sarcastically tell your friend the opposite of what you mean, that's not a lie and I'm sure God understands. Just explain to your friend what you meant, and don't feel guilty about it.

[@bengagliardo1080]

when it suggest sinfull actions?

[@damianwhite9058]

Wasn't Calvin the stand-up comedian of his day?

[@bjornegan6421]

He was also a sinful person, as are all of us.

[@armanithomas8039]

We all can change , if any man be in Christ Jesus , he is a new creation amen 🙏🏾

[@TheRagingUnprofessional]

Volume is too low on this one brothers.

[@oldzensoul]

CommunityStraightUP mine sounds loud actually well not loud but good not low

[@expiringphilosophy7605]

Turn it up? It works fine for me.

[@JustinHunterTCM]

What do you people do if some one makes a crude joke. I try not to laugh, but sometimes I let a smirk slip if it got me. But I'm wondering if i should rebuke that person or try and suggest that what they are saying isnt proper.

[@user-sj4dj9td8n]

Yea me too I have a brother who is far from christ and my boyfriend struggles with it 😢

[@tysonnichols798]

Is it a sin if I tell my freind u have a big forehead as a joke but it doesn’t bring him down.

[@ebonyy5248]

💀 i don't think we should laugh at other people's expenses :)

[@cyrilsneer5957]

Apparently so

[@gianna526]

Of course not, I tell my friend she has a big forehead and she tells me I have a fat face. We kid around with each other, that's what friends do. If you don't mean it in a hateful way and they're ok with it, it's absolutely not a sin.

[@nsu777]

“Apj”😆

[@ramblingrob14]

I’m gon be dead honest with y’all I’m catholic. I love dark humor and really all kinds of humor. I just love to make people laugh and I’m in my 20s. I just don’t know though. Cuz i know a ton of devout Christians that like family guy the simpsons stand ups and so on. Even my priest makes jokes. I just feel like everything is subjective. I feel that humor can only be explained by experts. Like I think dark humor is funny because it’s a set up of a joke and that one doesn’t actually mean the joke in real life. It’s not making light of a bad situation. Humor isn’t a happy thing people think that because we laugh. I think that even with jokes when we tell them we are doing so to actually spread awareness about a certain issue and laugh at its absurdity. I think personally if you did a joke that you knew would intentionally hurt someone it would be a sin correct me if I’m wrong.

[@bjornegan6421]

Who is Jesus?

[@topdogaleks]

@@bjornegan6421 A Living God who loves for us, watches over our lives and takes care of us. Even after several mistakes and mistakes with problems he is always there. God is love, God is Holy, He is our Savior. We are waiting for him to come, where we will be joyful forever in heaven!

[@bjornegan6421]

@@topdogaleks i'm asking the original poster because I don't think he knows. a person claiming to be catholic is likely lost. I would also like to add a comment about your use of 'mistakes'. I don't know how you mean it. i'm not trying to attack you or what you said, but they aren't mistakes. our sin is evil against the infinitely holy, eternal God, not simply 'mistakes'. one sin is so heinously evil and vile and God so holy that it requires eternal punishment in hell. referring to them as 'mistakes' seems to trivialize it. And, while God is love, He is also perfectly righteous, holy (as you said), and just. He is a consuming fire and will let no sin go unpunished. How awesome is God that for those who are saved by Jesus, He took the punishment for their sins and credits to them His own righteousness, and calls it glorious!

[@topdogaleks]

@@bjornegan6421 Sin in general deserves punishment. Reason of my use of mistakes means to do sin, when our spirit is willing to not, then recover by asking forgiveness. That is what I mean by mistakes. However people might say I can just ask for forgiveness. That doesn’t work. Mistakes can be learned from, taught by to become stronger, or mistakes can lead the person into enternal downfall. It’s a matter if the Lord has mercy on you or not

[@kingbob3998]

Not to be rude but most Catholic Churches are very sinful

[@mortalmeat9963]

Is it a sin if someone shares a experience in life or gaming good or bad and I laugh idk why I can’t control it. I don’t want to be rude when someone shares these comments with me.

[@jamesdancer73]

What is foolish talk exactly?

[@gulagbatman1318]

James Dancer Cussing, dirty jokes, dark humour, speaking recklessly. Speaking recklessly is when you're not being careful with your words. Words that can break someone down, and or draw them away from God.

[@marleenvanhamersveld5940]

Etuate Lafferte it is a real struggle for me 😳

[@NiceOCGuy1981]

@@gulagbatman1318 exactly, putting people down is sinful.

[@matshepomaseko3070]

@@gulagbatman1318 your name and icon. My goodness.

[@gulagbatman1318]

@@matshepomaseko3070 lol it's been 3 years. My beliefs changed. Grew out of my beliefs by examining why I believed them. Not a believer anymore

[@nettebroni3868]

When it doesn't make you laugh

[@exaucemayunga22]

Humor shouldn't be taken seriously

[@darthmader057mmm6]

I agree. I've heard stories about the Bible being edited by satanists, and this definetly could be one of them. I could see how Satan could use something like that to make our religion look "uptight" and "ridiculous"

[@C.O-EDITS]

I'm sorry but I have a dark sense of humour. I just cant help it lol

[@soapy7619]

i have a dirty mind too lmao. it’s aight i can’t help it.

[@kingbob3998]

@@soapy7619 same

[@brecken8663]

But God can

[@bryanhernandez9233]

Can I say I’m jk? In a civil unharm way?

[@LetsGoMetsGo33]

I mean, I think it was just Paul. He was not into rough edged humor. He wouldn’t have enjoyed a Norm Macdonald gig. It’s noteworthy that Jesus never said anything like this.

[@calledWatchman]

crude joking ..? can it be also people saying to you they dont like you ...then laughing at you saying your too sensitive ? hum

[@cyrilsneer5957]

It's sinful.

[@bornagainmatt8732]

Are jokes about race immoral, obscene, or coarse?

[@theazure4171]

I kinda feel sorry for Hitler. Looking back at some old photos of him, his friends always left him hanging when he went for a high-five.

[@joesifa5235]

3:02

[@benitojohngenitojr.5608]

Do you think a Good GOD in Christ, the CREATOR can Afford to let HIS Created Beings to Suffer Mercilessly Everlastingly just because of Sin? do you think that GOD in Christ the CREATOR don't Love Lucifer HIS Created Angel Being?GOD made Lucifer to be the Power of Darkness because His Ambition to be Like the MOST HIGH GOD in Christ in Heaven is Impossible, the First Mistake in Heaven.for it is Impossible for a Created Being to become a GREAT SUPER POWERFUL CREATOR in Christ in Heaven.GOD the CREATOR has also a Good Purpose for Lucifer, and to All HIS Created Beings.Why? Because HE is a GOOD GODFATHER in CHRIST by NATURE and NEVER Change.HE knows what is Good to everyone both good and evil.

[@rashmiagrawal7569]

God is a good God and it is the people's choice that determines their destination and ofcourse those who chose to stay apart from God and don't have their names written in the Book of Life will suffer eternal damnation. God doesn't send anybody to Hell, they chose to go there by their own free will. And God doesn't become bad when they themseleves chose to be without Him by not accepting Him. And Satan is His Arch Enemy whom He doesn't like at all and satan is the enemy of our souls.

[@benitojohngenitojr.5608]

@@rashmiagrawal7569 ALL Sufferings Has an End the Reason Why there is Death even the Second Death.Even the Serpent Devil ends to Death Towards the Eternal Future Without Time.GOD Judged Him Saying,'and Dust Thou Shall eat ALL The DAYS of THY LIFE.'Sufferings in this World and in the Power of Darkness were All Bearable until Death even the Second Death.Gnashing of Teeth, Wailing and Weeping of the Power of Darkness is All About Hatred and Envy Against the Eternal Souls of HEAVEN and the Eternal Souls of Christians Because They Shall Still Be Going to Experience Death Towards the Eternal Future Without Time.GOD, the GOOD CREATOR LOVED ALL HIS Created Beings both Good and Evil, and HE knows What is Good for Those Who LOVED HIM and HE Knows What is Good to Those Who Rebels Against HIM.HIS LOVE is Kind even to the Evil,HE Also Give Them Food to Eat.and HIS Punishment and Discipline to the Serpent Devil and His Children were All Bearable until Death, and Death For HIM is Just Like Sleepeth.Never did i read in the BIBLE that the GOOD CREATOR were Hurting, and Hurting, and Hurting Continually the Serpent Devil, and HE is only Talking to Him Allowing What He Wants in This World.It is the Serpent Devil and His Children, the Serpent Like Selfish Proud Merciless Hypocrites Who Are Merciless Whenever They Judged the Lifes of the World and Not the MOST HIGH HOLIEST ALMIGHTY SUPERNATURAL LORD GODFATHER in Christ, the MOST SUPER POWERFUL GREAT GOOD CREATOR.

[@NathanMladenik]

God created lucifer as an angel

[@benitojohngenitojr.5608]

If you are interested about The sins of the World, your mind and heart will become Merciless Hell like the Serpent Like Selfish Proud Merciless Hypocrites.There are Countless Positive Good Spirits of the LORD GODFATHER in CHRIST to be Interested in Life Here in this World and It Lives Continually Everlastingly. the Serpent Proud Merciless Hypocrites interpret so many Sins in life and made not only Themselves to become Merciless Hell to the World, but also the Minds and Hearts of Their Followers.

[@brandonmacey964]

I never see any part of the bible where Jesus tells a fart joke, slips on a banana peel, or give anyone a wedgie. I never here his use puns or tell knock knock jokes. Stop putting things in the book that aren't in the book..

[@D4n131._]

Jesus literally used parables

[@brandonmacey964]

@@D4n131._ parables that are humorous? With a punchline? Any irony present? Nope

[@gianna526]

Fart jokes and wedgies weren't really a thing back then. Also every word Jesus said is not documented. No one can remember what he said word for word, and remember he lived on Earth in a human society for years, I'm sure he cracked a few jokes at some point. In fact in the Bible on occasion he does have some really smart comebacks towards people who oppose him which you could count as humor.