Does God Have a Sense of Humor? - Matthew Kelly
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- Опубліковано 28 сер 2024
- Does God Have a Sense of Humor? - Matthew Kelly
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Video Transcript:
“THERE ARE SO MANY opportunities each day to catch a glimpse of the genius of God. One of my favorites is laughter. God is the genius behind humor and laughter. Laughter is essential to the human experience, and humor has been observed in every culture, in every place and time. Can you imagine life without laughter?
The goodness and genius of God is evident in laughter. Laughter is medicine for the body, mind, and soul. Its benefits are endless.
Modern medicine has discovered that laughter strengthens your immune system, improves mood, and diminishes pain. Laughter is a powerful form of stress relief. It burns calories, eases anxiety, reduces stress, and is a natural antidepressant. A good laugh relaxes the body, eases tension, and leaves your muscles relaxed for up to forty-five minutes. Laughter stimulates your heart and increases the number of endorphins released by your brain, which creates an overall sense of well-being. When you laugh, the amount of oxygen-rich air that rushes to your lungs increases. Laughter reduces blood pressure, increases blood flow, and can help protect you from a heart attack. It increases happiness, reduces anger and other negative emotions, and increases resilience in the face of obstacles and unpleasant events. Laughter increases our energy and enthusiasm for life. People who laugh regularly are more joyful and have healthier hearts. Humor improves personal satisfaction, strengthens relationships, helps defuse conflict, shifts our perspective, and attracts other people to us. Laughter connects us with others, makes our burdens seem lighter, and can reduce anger and conflict. It creates a sense of belonging and bonds people together. It enhances teamwork and improves productivity. Laughter and humor build trust, encourage collaboration, increase likability, draw people in to listen, improve memory and retention, make arguments more persuasive, and increase learning by reducing classroom anxiety. Laughter releases serotonin, which improves focus, decision making, problem solving, objectivity, open- ness to new ideas, and overall brainpower.
It took some really smart scientists to discover all this, but God is the genius who is alive and well in laughter.
All this may leave us wondering: Does God have a sense of humor?
Humor is essential to the human experience. Many of the most memorable and meaningful moments in life are humorous. But where is humor in our experience of God, religion, and spirituality?
If you read the life and teachings of Jesus as portrayed in the four Gospels, there is little evidence to suggest that he had a sense of humor. Do you believe that Jesus didn’t have a sense of humor? I believe he had a wonderful sense of humor. I imagine him walking down the dusty roads of Galilee with his disciples. Thirteen guys spending all that time together. There must have been some epic moments of humor. Wouldn’t you love to hear Jesus laugh? Wouldn’t you love to know what made him laugh and how he made others laugh?
For some reason, nobody thought it was important enough to record, and we have been making the same mistake by excluding humor and laughter from our relationship with God ever since. Just as humor is essential to the human experience, maybe it is also essential to our spiritual experience.
There is an old joke about making God laugh. It is often repeated and rarely questioned, but we will question it together now. “If you want to hear God laugh,” the joke goes, “tell him your plans.” If you think about it, this theory is tragically flawed. What kind of father would laugh at his children when they tell him their plans? In the joke God is laughing at us-or is he laughing at our plans, or our innocence, or our ignorance, or our arrogance? What kind of God would laugh at his children in any of these ways? Not the God I believe in.
I am a father, a broken and imperfect father, but I cannot imagine laughing at my children’s plans. The Scriptures tell us that God delights in his children. And God has taught me to de- light in listening to what is going on inside my children’s hearts and minds. When they honor me by sharing their hopes and thoughts, I am fascinated. How much more does God, in his infinite goodness, delight when we open our hearts and minds to him?
So, it is impossible for me to conjure an image of a God who laughs at his children or their plans, however misguided they may be at times. But it is equally impossible for me to subscribe to an image of a God with no sense of humor. Does the God who gave us laughter not laugh himself? Does the God who gave us laughter have no sense of humor?
Absolutely not, and I yearn to know the God who gave us laughter.”
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I believe that since we are made in God's likeliness and image, we have His characteristics.... You know. Since God has feelings and emotions so do we. Hence I do believe that God does have a sense of humor and that we got it from him.
We also have an intrinsically sinful nature
@@hanseldsilva2393 That does not come from God though
"People who laugh regularly are more joyful and have healthier hearts" - Great insight Matthew. Thank you.
My husband has had heart issues for 25 years. He also laughs a lot. Maybe that is what keeps him alive.
I have no doubt that God has a sense of humor. I don’t see God as laughing at me and my plans, but delighting in when I pause and seek his guidance and realize I was totally going in the wrong direction! It always makes me smile, look up, and say I know that was you!
As it says in the Bible the Lord wants those who seek Him to do so with childlike faith. To behold wonders in mind, purity in spirit and have joy and laughter in heart. Heaven isn't too far away ❤🙏 It was very pleasant to hear you speak on this topic
Why did God not give Jesus a sense of humour..?
The new testament is one big joke where only Jesus got the last laugh
The people around him at the time didn't seem amused either
Hebrew myth helps churches
God empowers us to help others directly.
God definitely has a sense of humor because He created my dad whom was the funniest preacher and people were drawn to him. I inherited his sense of humor. Thank you God!!!
Laughter is the best medicine. Life is short enjoy it, sometimes at the beginning we blow things out of proportion that we stand back and look ourselves and laugh, why was I so upset. Live, love, and 😃 laugh
Indeed. Thanks for sharing Angela!
Even though I’m struggling with my two autistic children. I’m going to keep trusting God. I’m truly having a hard time providing for them at this time. I’m so alone I have nowhere to turn. Dying would be easier but I will continue to fight. I’m a single mother with two beautiful sons both are autistic so thing tend to be a little more challenging in my home. I’m under a great amount of stress. At this time I’m struggling to provide for my children since losing my job of 13 years for not wanting the vaccine. I declined due to my declining health (Lupus) and heart disease. We are facing homelessness at the end of this month I don’t know what me and my children are going to do. So please keep us in your prayers. Thank you.
I hope you will contact church’s and the YMCA/YWCA or Salvation Army, Catholic Charities.
Praying for you!
I am very sad to here all this. Call my office and ask for Cristina and let’s see how we can help you
Just remember you're tougher than you think. God is your source of strength. The Lord is your rock.
I appreciate the Chosen because it depicts Jesus as a fun- loving, genial human guy! I like to think that our Lord was chucking when He watched as Peter pulled the coin out of a fish!
I want to laugh more, I also yearn to know the God that gave us laughter. Thank you Mr. Kelly, your videos are wonderful 🙏🏻❤️
We all need more laughter
My family and I literally laugh through life. All of it, even the most horrible situations, we laugh with eachother to get through everything
Mad TV and Key and Peele and Little Britain bring much laughter!❤️👍❤️👍❤️👍
This is so true. I listen to preaching that laugh as they bring the word. I have a couple of grown boys I use to say he through away the mold.
Beautiful and true Matthew! In healthcare we know that laughter is a simple, inexpensive medicine to quell fear prior to surgery or an unknown procedure. I try to use it everyday. It draws people outside of themselves. My priest Father Jack shared a picture of ‘Laughing Jesus’ with me years ago. I haven’t thought about that picture in a very long time. Thank you for the gift of the reminder. I can just hear Jesus laughing with his disciples, his gentle spirit and uncomplicated and realistic ways to approach life. When I think of the Father and Son laughing, I hear their love and kindness for me. Enjoy your day and a healthy Happy New Year! Be well.
Beautiful
Yes, He does! We do, so He has a sense of humour. Logically follows.
Matthew you just generated a smile followed by an out loud laugh, Thank you for your wisdom
Very welcome Jeannie.
Thank you Matthew. I agree. I will say though that the saying about making God laugh by telling Him our plans is actually more because God has already a plan made for us (regardless of our own ideas or plans). We just need direction and prayer to find and fulfill His will
True
Beautiful explained. What else we need to do?. Laugh all day!
Love to laugh. Laughter is the music of the soul. Love your videos Matthew. Thank you🎶🎶🎶❤️🙏
Very welcome Karen.
I agree!! When I coached a cardio class I had the participants laugh for 30 sec as part of the workout. They cracked up and embraced the power of it.
That’s awesome
St. Philip Neri, patron of laughter and Christian joy, pray for us.
No saint is given the authority to pray for us. In the Holy Bible, most of the references to saints were of blood washed believers that were still alive! Let's return to Scripture and stop promoting doctrines of devils.
I really am happy & thankful I choose this video to watch!! Thank you for putting it up!!
Purposely watching videos I KNEW would make me laugh got me through the intense pain of a recent break up, in the beginning at least. I know God guided me to it. 😅
Thank you for this Matthew always enjoy your videos
Hey Matthew, I wanted to share something that just recently happened to me. I’ve been stuck between making a pretty big life decision for basically the last two years, which started right before the pandemic hit. I think like many people, I wanted to do the will of God, but was afraid to make a mistake. Essentially, I see now that I was viewing God as somewhat like a general would would give everybody their orders to follow and I’d do my best to follow those orders to a tee. However, I now see that I’ve been projecting those things on to God. God is my loving Father. He gives us rules to keep us safe, but we have the option to choose from all the good options. God respects our free will and wants us to be happy and to have what is best for us. This lines up really well with the idea that God laughs, just like a good Father would when delighting in His child. God is my Father and wants what’s best for me no matter what. Thanks Matthew.
Great insights
All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well in the end. 🙏
Jesus' words to Julian of Norwich 🙏
So true Matthew, laughter is the greatest medicine!!! We all need to laugh more, thank you God for the laughter 🙏🏼
What a gift! Can’t even imagine life without laughter. I’d love to know what made Jesus laugh. I hope I hear it one day. I don’t know if God laughs at our plans, but I think he shakes his head…a lot. Reflecting back on some if my plans, I laugh myself. 🤦🏻♀️.
He created man, and looking at that entity proves God has a sense of humor.
What a great reflection. Yes Ive often wondered if God had a sense of humor. I also Love my 2 sons and Love to hear their dreams. I want and stress to them that can ALWAYS come to their father for advice or what is ever on their minds to discuss. Thank you Matthew as always.
God bless our Catholic faith.
I can speak from many experiences that God is hilarious. His sense of humor shows up in so many ways in nature and circumstances of life.
I look at the joke of god laughing at our plans in a slightly different way: he isn’t laughing at us in a malicious, condescending way. He’s laughing in the way a father does when their child comes rushing up to them and and excitedly tries to explain all of the amazing and fun things they want to do, but don’t know how to articulate. It’s not mean spirited laughter, it’s jubilation and delight at how passionate we are, even if we don’t know all the details of what we want.
"God often makes me laugh"
😀
I believe God does indeed have a sense of humor in my life. God sent me a Christ-Person in the form of someone wearing yellow shorts, who I thought was a "Helper." Understatement! Not only was this person a "Helper," but he is a priest, and a Licensed clinical social worker; a psychiatric social worker! And, God used this Christ-Person to help heal some of my inner wounds. I imagine that God is laughing His head off because I thought this person was only a "Helper." This person is more than just a "Helper." He is an instrument of healing that the Divine Therapist uses to heal people who suffer from inner wounds!
I reckon
God laughs
When I do diy!
Because I know I do!!
I'm always saying come on PAPA help me,st Joseph you must see what I'm trying to do WRONGLY!
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
😀
Life is the punchline.
💯
Of course he does.
How would you know how far to go, humor vs mocking? I hope this makes sense
I heard the joke as: "Tell God you have your day all planned." (As though he has no input.)
Life without humor is a perpetual hell.
Yes miserable
God doesn't laugh at His children. He laughs with them.
Today is Holy Saturday. "Joseph had taken the body down from the cross and wrapped it in a long linen cloth and placed it in a new tomb that had been carved out of rock." Luke 23:53 The Joseph mentioned here is Joseph of Arimathea. He was a prominent member of the Sanhedrin. He was opposed to the crucifixion of Christ. and was, in fact, a secret follower of Christ. The historical location of Arimathea is uncertain. Although it has been identified with several towns. --Matthew:29-57 Source: Got Biblical Questions.
He created us, didn't He?
When I laugh god fixes that shit real quick give my stupid ass something to laugh about
"Why are you trying to take the speck out of your brother's eye when you have a log in your own?"
"It's easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of Heaven."
"You strain a gnat, and swallow a camel!"
Author Madeleine L'Engle said that as a child not going to church often, she read the Bible and found plenty of humor in it. We teach the Bible and religion so stiffly and solemnly that we miss the humor there. Jewish humor, at that.
God gets awfully sarcastic with Job in some of the latter chapters of the book of Job.
You could said that the things God does to Jonah, with the big fish and with the plant and the worm, are kind of funny.
You can't tell me that the God who made the giraffe and the duckbill platypus doesn't have a sense of humor.
There is this one time when God made a "Wicked" sense of humor when told to Abraham to sacrifice his beloved son.
I'm pretty sure He made this on April Fools
That wasn't an attempt at humor at all. Rather, that was a foreshadowing of God's sacrifice of His own son, Jesus the Christ, to save us from our sins.
@@MatthewKellyAuthor we already know that, but when you look at it from other angle in a non religious way, this is kind of a bad joke.
God created the platypus and the giraffe, among other things. Of course He has a sense of humor! Oh, & He created us...
Indeed.
(Proverbs 10:19)
?
@@MatthewKellyAuthor 🤔
Can the God you believe in get mad? And, if he is mad will people listen? Or will they say, "Nah, the God I believe in wouldn't be mad."?
He made humans didn’t he. Had to have a sense of humor
I mean, what do you think the platypus was for?
I was told I was going to hell and I sinned because I made a joke.. (If Jesus told God a joke, wouldn't he be laughing at his own joke?)
Some laughed others said I sinned and one said I can't make jokes about God like I was cussing him. I think I'm going to leave that group
This is my personality..I love take people laugh..it was nothing but bickering and arguing. It was on a so called Christian group. Now I think I'm going ro lwave..
He must have. He created humans 😂
In his image
Let's not be naive. The concord of the four gospels shows no laughter in the apostles either
Try the Life of Brian for any attempt at comedy
A sick one, perhaps.