Last Friday I was at my friend Steph’s house playing games with some friends. Steph is one of the pastor’s at Mill City. I asked her if she was preaching on Sunday, to which she replied “Yes, I am speaking about truth,” to which her brother and sister-in-law in almost complete unison said something to the effect of always speak truth. It was a sweet moment, but fleeting for me. If Mike, my brother-in-law had made the same comment I can almost guarantee with complete certainty that someone in my family would have said “trying something new?” When I shared that with the group we all laughed, and agreed it might be true.
I have been increasingly more aware of how much I use sarcasm in my everyday life. I frequently tell people sarcasm is a part of my love language–sarcasm and punching. Who wants to be my friend? Boo. I don’t even realize I am using sarcasm in a post about desiring to be less sarcastic. Clearly I have some work to do.
I’ve been trying to decide if I think sarcasm is ever the best option. I want people to think I am funny, I usually can come up with a pretty good comeback fairly quickly. In the past it has been permissible when I know the person on the receiving end only knows I am completely kidding. Is that the best way to love someone? Even though Mike knows I think he is an incredibly gifted speaker, does that make it acceptable to make fun? I let myself get away with it because it isn’t that big of a deal. My joking with folks has no real bearing on our friendship–it isn’t a big deal, right? I’m in the mess of my thoughts and would love some others thoughts on this. Seeing as most of the/all of the people who read this blog are people I know–lets dialogue. Hopefully I will have some concluding thoughts and action steps soon.
Posted by Becky on October 3, 2011 at 7:24 pm
Caution: Very random writing. Kid not napping, so it’s not very focused. Ha ha!. . . For the most part, I think that sarcasm can be OK; however, if that’s mostly the interaction that you have with someone, then they might wonder if you are ever genuine. It’s no fun to always receive sarcasm from someone. But if it’s mixed with authentic compliments, conversation, etc, then I think that the reciever will know that you’re just playin’ cause you probably wouldn’t say something that you know would hurt them.