A sense of humor is a precious commodity in serious times. It can be arms of comfort or weapons of warfare. I pay attention to humor in myself and in others. The way one uses humor can be quite telling. The weaponry aspect shows when I see deflection; that would be the shield. To see words thrown carelessly, that would be the barb. Seeing words maliciously delivered is to know there is a need to eviscerate another; that would be a sword of the wrong making.
The arms of comfort wrap themselves around another with joy and acceptance; being quick to laugh with another, but not at them. Putting someone at ease in a moment of discomfort can bring them rescue and relief. Speaking an appropriate word sometimes is as effortless as releasing laughter in the right moment. Genuine laughter sounds like an orchestra of love sung just for you.
Pro 26:18-19 (MSG) People who shrug off deliberate deceptions, saying, “I didn’t mean it, I was only joking,” Are worse than careless campers who walk away from smoldering campfires.
Pro 15:23 (GNB) What a joy it is to find just the right word for the right occasion!