HOPE FOR THE HOME: Humor is great medicine for marriage

Physician Shares: A friend of ours who is a physician was sharing with us recently concerning a correlation between healthy humor and healthy marriages. He stated, “In my years of practice I have observed that couples who exhibit wit and laughter are healthier than those whose manner is one of sternness and severity. Individuals with a genuine sense of humor seldom have ulcers. Laughter lowers blood pressure, increases oxygen in the blood, and promotes healing in the body.”

Jerry: With that insight and observations from our physician friend we decided to research effects of harmful humor, often referred to as sarcasm, and healthy humor. Sarcasm is when someone says something but means more than the literal words in context. Have you been with a couple where one spouse makes a cutting remark about the other and disguises it as humor? You can see the pain in the face of the recipient. This is not healthy humor. When a “humorous statement” creates grief, rather than joy, the offending spouse needs to take note and then apologize. Dale and Jena Forehand, founders of Stained-Glass Ministries, have provided an acronym for S.A.R.C.A.S.M.: S = Stings, A = Aggravates, R = Retaliates, C = Controls, A = Alienates, S = Shames, M = Manipulates.

Becky: The physical effects of healthy humor on the body are tremendous. Laughter is a great exercise for the diaphragm as well as the abdominal, respiratory, facial, leg, and back muscles. Not only does laughter and wholesome humor give the midsection a workout, but it can also benefit digestion and absorption functions as well. Studies show laughter burns about as many calories as a few minutes of biking. So, instead of working up a sweat, which us girls do not care for, just go on Netflix, or Prime and watch good, clean, funny movies and laugh yourself fit. Of course, you need to do this with your spouse.

Jerry: Abraham Lincoln said in those dark days of the presidency during the Civil War, “With the fearful strain that is one me night and day, if I did not laugh, I should die.” The scriptures put it this way, “A merry heart does good, like medicine,” Proverbs 17:22.

Dr. Drace and his wife Becky are on American Family Radio weekdays at 4:20 PM (CT) and on Sundays at 5:35 PM (CT). Check out their resources for the family at HopefortheHome.org. Becky’s latest book, “The Bright Side of Blue” and Dr. Drace’s, “44 Ways to Strengthen Your Marriage” offer biblical principles and timely advice for dealing with the challenges and trials of life. You may contact them at: hopeforthehome@juno.com.