“And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, so that those who want to pass from here to you cannot, nor can those from there pass to us.” Luke 16:26

The Chasm

Ah, sarcasm. We all have that one (or in my case, several) friend(s) who are sarcastic in nature. I myself have been described many times as being sarcastic. And you know what? I’m good at it! Have you ever noticed that when a child is sarcastic, it’s not so cute? They don’t have the same filters, and don’t know the proper context for using it. They are often described as being bratty, yet I would say they pick up the trait from adults.

Following is the Merriam-Webster definition of sarcasm (italics added by me):

1: a sharp and often satirical or ironic utterance designed to cut or give pain

2a: a mode of satirical wit depending for its effect on bitter, caustic, and often ironic language that is usually directed against an individual

Here are portions of the etymology of the word (also from Merriam-Webster):

“Sarcasm can be traced back to the Greek verb sarkazein, which initially meant, ‘to tear flesh like a dog.’ Sarkazeinled to the Greek noun sarcasm’s, (“a sneering or hurtful remark”). Even today, sarcasm is often described as sharp, cutting, or wounding, reminiscent of the original meaning of the Greek verb.”

Ouch. I think we have confused sarcasm with joking. A joke is meant to be humorous, yet there’s absolutely nothing humorous about the mockery of sarcasm. It has a completely different motivation behind it. If I think about it, I’m more likely to use sarcasm on those I don’t like very much, or in the instance of friends and family, when I’m annoyed with them. Inflicting sarcasm on others can do nothing but create a chasm in your relationship. And honestly, there’s no good reason to do such a thing. To do so doesn’t bring honor to the Lord or our relationships.

Thankfully, God gives us tools to help us! “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things” (Philippians 4:8).

“Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones” (Proverbs 16:24).

Whatever is inside of us is what will come out, so let’s make sure to remember the power our words have, whether we are “joking” or not.

“Lord, please forgive me for all of the times I have wounded others with my sarcasm. Make me mindful of Who it is I am representing, and may my words bring life. In Jesus’ name, amen.”