Time to Laugh

READ: PSALM 16:11; PHILIPPIANS 4:4; 1 THESSALONIANS 5:16-18

April Fools’ Day is biblical. Many would stare at me or raise an eyebrow if I said that, but it’s true. April Fools’ Day is a day when practical (not harmful) jokes are encouraged, and people spring them on each other left and right. While pranks can go too far, if done in the right spirit a good joke can cause a lot of laughter and fun.

How is all of this biblical? While April Fools’ Day isn’t in the Bible, Proverbs 17:22 tells us that “a cheerful heart is good medicine.” God doesn’t want us to walk around solemn and dull all the time. He wants us to enjoy life, have fun, and take time to laugh. When Jesus was on earth He attended weddings (John 2:1-12), went to parties (Mark 2:13-17), and celebrated holidays (Luke 2:41; John 5:1). He spent time with friends and family, including children and babies. He didn’t just teach and preach; He also had fun.

And remember, Jesus didn’t become human and live on earth—and ultimately pay for our sins by dying on the cross and rising from the grave— just to send us to live in a humdrum place for eternity. While we don’t know what the new heavens and new earth will be like exactly, we do know that we will enjoy feasting and singing with Jesus and with all those who have gone before us who were saved. Psalm 16:11 says God will fill us with “joy” and “eternal pleasures” in His presence!

So don’t be afraid to have fun and enjoy yourself. Maybe this April Fools’ Day you’ll pull a prank and get everyone laughing. It’s okay to do so—as long as the recipient ends up having fun too! After all, everyone knows Jesus played an April Fools’ joke on Peter in Matthew 29:1-3. Just kidding—April fool! • Morgan A. Mitchell

• Have you ever played a fun practical joke on someone, or had one played on you? What happened?

• Have you ever seen a prank that didn’t make the recipient laugh or maybe even hurt someone? Remember, if a joke is only fun for one person, it’s not a good joke. If you’re considering playing a prank, slow down and think things through. God calls us to love others the way He loves us by considering their needs, interests, and feelings. And God helps us do this through His Holy Spirit, His Word (the Bible), and His people (the church). Who are trusted Christians you can talk to if you’ve experienced a hurtful prank, or if you’re not sure if a joke is a good one?

A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. Proverbs 17:22 (NIV)