Humour Or Hostility?

One of the ways many of us try to hide our hurt and anger is through sarcasm.  We say something nasty about someone which makes them feel or look stupid before others, and then try to get away with it by saying “I was just joking.”  If someone is hurt by what we say, we need to consider what we have said and expose the motive behind it. 

Why do we feel we need to make spiteful comments about others?  Do we think it makes us look smarter or better than the other person?  Are we hoping that people will find us witty and appealing by speaking this way?  Do we care about how someone might feel about what we say or are we just interested in being entertaining?

Much of the so called humour we see on TV talk shows or comedy sit-coms is filled with sarcasm.  Everyday relationships are often damaged by its cunning use.  Professionals describe sarcasm as “hostility disguised as humour.”  When we speak sarcastically about others, some of the things going on in our own hearts are:- feelings of inferiority; a desire for something to happen but we are afraid to ask directly for it; fear of being not good enough; passive-aggressive anger; and attention seeking.  

To encourage one another, we need to speak in a way that uplifts a person rather than tears them down.  As followers of Jesus we represent God in all our interactions.  How would Jesus speak or behave towards another person?  That answer should be our guide.

If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God.  (1 Peter 4:11a NIV)

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Forgive me for the times I’ve hidden my anger and hurt behind sarcasm.  Help me to speak as You would speak and build others up with my words and actions.  Amen

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