3/25/25

Ephesians 5:9 NASB95 (for the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth),

Today we will talk about something I struggle with. If I struggle with it and scripture speaks of it, then I think it is very likely that others struggle with it as well. I will confess I am a jokester. I kid, pick, and laugh. While there is no sin in this, in and of itself, we must be careful not to say or do anything to hurt, or offend anyone in our cutting up. There is the problem. Since most jokes have a butt of the joke then someone, or something, that someone cares about is affected negatively. Paul, at the start of this chapter, says, Ephesians 5:1-2 NASB95 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.

As a Christ follower, I love everyone. However, I struggle with forgetting that not everyone has thick skin. I laugh at myself often but the very thing I laugh at in myself might cause another brother or sister to hurt and even stumble. I and others who struggle with this, must be cautious not to hinder spiritual growth in others.

I fail at this often and have to seek forgiveness. Scripture continues on in Ephesians 5:4 NASB95 and there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks.

Filthyiness, in this sense, means to put shame on. Silly talk, means foolishness, speaking like a fool. Coarse jesting, means being witty in a pagan way versus in a Godly way. Then Paul says this is not fitting. He means it is not fitting for Christ followers. Instead we should be known for giving thanks.

Then we come to our text today. (for the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth),

God is light and Jesus tells us that we are to be light. The fruit or produce of that light consists of all goodness (moral excellence), righteousness (in the will of God), and truth (consistent unchanging truth)

So the question is, will I/we who struggle with this be known for our shameful, foolish, witty, pagan-like joking, or our moral excellence in the will of God's consistent unchanging truth?

If we are going to be known by the second we must be a light to the world! Joking is ok if we are extremely careful to make sure in it they see the light of Jesus. If they don't, then we Christians have sinned by not being Christ-like.

I pray I and others who struggle with this, will

strive in the power of the Holy Spirit to show light and its fruit.

Love Bro. Scott, I'm not joking about that!