Jesus Christ wept openly for all to see. He shouted in anger at the corruption in the temple. He showed compassion to all in the streets. He taught in calm and reasoned discourse. But He never, ever laughed in the Gospels. Tears heal but a laugh at the wrong moment can shatter a soul instead of heal it. I wonder if perhaps He knew that the laughter of God could hurt us more than all His anger or tears.
Jesus did say, "Blessed are you who are now weeping, for you will laugh." (Luke 6:21b)
ReplyDeleteOther than that, the only other mention of laughter that comes to mind is the story of Sarah in the Old Testament who is said to laugh when she hears she is to become pregnant as an old woman... and then her son, Isaac is named, 'laughter'. (Gen 17:17)