When I was teaching the sixth grade, I heard this sentence over and over again for all manner of crimes, hurtful sentiments, cursing, hitting, hair pulling, you name it. Back then I would tell the offenders, " Playing isn't playing unless both people are having fun." I realized today at church that same truth still applies.
As my husband and I were entering the church, another member "playingly" told us we needed to go home. Well, in the spirit of the moment, we pretended to turn to leave (our mistake). It was then that we were told that I could go home because I was sickly and doing poorly all the time but my husband could stay. OUCH! My feelings were so hurt and I felt totally unwanted and worthless because of a fellow member of the body of Christ not thinking before "playing."
How often do we as Christians say things without thinking about how our words will affect the other person? How often are we"just playing" when we should be more interested in encouraging and lifting on another up.
Which brings up another pet peeve of mine, the insult that is suppose to be a "joke". I have seen my sons do it with their wives and children. Sometimes I cringe at the hateful things and name calling that is done in the name of humor. It is just awful.
Our preacher preached on how we are to be a living sacrifice, an example to the outside world today. How can we be an example to anyone when we don't even know how to treat each other?
And what does the world think when they see us acting as if we don't care about one another, when we are unkind (Have you ever noticed that the worst drivers always have either a fish on their car or a bumper sticker that says "God is my copilot?" I wish they would just move over an let God drive. He wouldn't try to run me off the road!).
I know that I need to be more careful about what comes out of my mouth when I am "playing". I need to be sure that everyone is having fun. After all, God told me that real love, the kind of love that God has for me and I am suppose to show to others, is always kind.
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