Why did God give us a sense of humor?

[twinkle]

I'm curious. :scratch Has God revealed his humor to us in the Bible?
If so, could someone give me some examples? I think (IMHO) that some of his creation shows humor. (the platypus :twitch, for example) If you can think of some other examples, please share.

Are there any examples of Jesus using humor?

I would love to keep this subject on the light side. (There are so many heavy subjects, now days)

Some thoughts on the thread's title would be great, too. (Why did God give us a sense of humor?)

I also wonder if humor will be exercised in heaven, even by the Trinity Himself?

:aha :hehee :heh :lol2

[Kliska]

We were made in His image, and even though the fall mucked us up a bit, I think we have humor, because He has humor. Every Christian that I ask, "have you ever felt like God is chuckling at you, or is saying "gotcha!"?" :heh Every person I've asked thinks so, I know I've "felt" that before. Also, as Jesus was fully human I do certainly believe He had/has a sense of humor...I sense it the most when He's dealing with the disciples in certain circumstances in scripture.

[icebear]

there are some verses in the Bible i can't help but giggle over... i can't think of them off the top of my head, but God does have a sense of humor i'm sure... i mean, look at flamingoes:idunno

[Clouds]

I find humor in the description of the false god Dagon's falling twice before the ark of the Lord in (1 Samuel 5:1-5).
The Lord's use of the Egyptian symbols of their gods as a plague is amusing too. The idea that you would have to tread on more than one of your "gods", because of an over abundance of them, such as frogs, is funny to me.

The parables told by Jesus have humor in them, if you have an understanding of the Jewish train of thought back then.
The parable of the prodigal son might seem wonderful to us today, but back then, it was shocking that the father would even consider receiving back a son who had behaved so disrepectfully to his father. The contradiction of what we first percieve something as, compared to reality is part of what makes something humorous.
Jesus had a wit and knowing beyond compare in His stinging rebukes of hypocrites. I think many laughed at what Jesus said at times in response to the planned evil questioning that the Pharisees and others tried to put against Jesus. Jesus did not go around with a false piety. He was real and so was His true piety and unselfish love for others.
I like being around people with a decent sense of humor. They are not easily offended by a stupid remark that I might make, or they would at least give me a chance to explain or say I'm sorry, before going into a moping snit.

When things don't go well, it is always better to be around those who can see the humor in the situation and laugh it off.
I'm betting that Jesus has a great sense of humor. He puts up with me!
Praise His Holy Name!

[iSong6:3]

I love this thread! There are several different kinds of humor.

In the Bible there are many puns and plays on words in Hebrew, which Jesus used and was used to great effect all over to make a serious point.

Nature shows us humor, too, in the play of animals, kittens and puppies. There are a few TV programs that make money showing these things.

I think it's clear most of us are born with it. Babies, with their baby brains, think it's funny to play peek-a-boo or to drop something 100 times and have you pick it up again.

Comedians often have tragic childhoods. Humor is a coping mechanism for stress. There is *black humor* with law enforcement, hospital workers and people who have jobs that have them meet horrors face to face. I think it's God-given for our sanity. Psychologists know that humorless people tend to have more mental problems.

When I look at all the people I've been closest to in life, who I love to spend time with, every one has a great sense of humor. Laughter literally can heal.

"A merry heart doeth good like medicine". :pound :aha :lol2 :hehee :thumb

[Tio-Peregrino]

Remember what Elijah said to the prophets of Baal?

1 Kings 18 is pretty funny. Elijah asks if their god was in deep thought...or perhaps going to the bathroom.

Isaiah's pretty funny when he writes about man fashioning a god out of wood...worshipping it...and using the leftover wood he'd use to fashion the god out of for a fire to cook his meal.

[iSong6:3]

Remember what Elijah said to the prophets of Baal?

1 Kings 18 is pretty funny. Elijah asks if their god was in deep thought...or perhaps going to the bathroom.

Isaiah's pretty funny when he writes about man fashioning a god out of wood...worshipping it...and using the leftover wood he'd use to fashion the god out of for a fire to cook his meal.

Bwahahaha!! :pound

I Kings 18:27 (ESV) - "And at noon Elijah mocked them, saying, 'Cry aloud, for he is a god. Either he is musing, or he is relieving himself, or he is on a journey, or perhaps he is asleep and must be awakened.'"

Never saw that before! :aha

[Tio-Peregrino]

:pound

The following is funny...but also ironic, and sad. I hear Isaiah writing with a good bit of sarcasm when he pens the words of the man:

Isaiah 44:

14 He cut down cedars,
or perhaps took a cypress or oak.
He let it grow among the trees of the forest,
or planted a pine, and the rain made it grow.

15 It is man's fuel for burning;
some of it he takes and warms himself,
he kindles a fire and bakes bread.
But he also fashions a god and worships it;
he makes an idol and bows down to it.

16 Half of the wood he burns in the fire;
over it he prepares his meal,
he roasts his meat and eats his fill.
He also warms himself and says,
"Ah! I am warm; I see the fire."

17 From the rest he makes a god, his idol;
he bows down to it and worships.
He prays to it and says,
"Save me; you are my god."

[Tio-Peregrino]

There are multiple studies that have shown that laughter is very healthy. I think God created it to counter the stresses we have in life.

"Rent two comedies, and call me in the morning..." (http://www.webmd.com/balance/news/20050307/laughter-may-build-healthy-blood-vessels)

[run2Jesus]

I know Readers' Digest is responsible for the saying "Laughter Makes the Best Medicine". At least I think that's where it originates.:scratch I do believe God likes to see us laugh. He gave us this emotional outlet so we wouldn't stay all tensed up and pressured all the time. When we are laughing, we are happy and the cares of the world aren't weighing us down. When I get a good laugh out session going I feel invigorated and I just believe that's what this gift of humor is all about.:yeah