Laughing at someone else's pain

Last night I was invited to drop by an all-night birthday gathering of teenage boys. After Matthew's concert (which was great!), I drove over to the young man's house. I felt like I was in a spy movie as I drove into his driveway and sent a text message that I was there. Within seconds, the door opened and I was allowed to enter.

After saying hi to the guy's mom (she was barely awake on the couch), I ventured downstairs to the testosterone zone. Here I joined a group of teenage boys who were playing Looney Tunes Monopoly. Honestly, I didn't know that version existed. I did come to find out that this family has numerous versions of Monopoly. (I assured him that Parker Brothers was thankful.)

I plopped down on the couch as the boys finished their game. I watched as they added up their "laughs" (the name for dollars in this particular version) to determine who was the victor.

After the game was packed up, we plugged in the PS3 to get on the internet. (This was an educational evening for me. In addition to my ignorance about Looney Tunes Monopoly, I didn't realize you could surf the net with a video game system.)

Anyway, we proceeded to venture over to "YouTube" to watch some videos. Suffice it to say that the next hour or so consisted of laughter, tears, and nearly wetting ourselves. We watched a series of videos called "Funny Crash Compilations." I am not sexist one bit, but I think this is foolishness that boys enjoy much more than girls do. It was hundreds of episodes of people tripping, crashing, falling, and a multitude of other injurious situations.

I did feel a tinge of guilt rejoicing over the pains of others, but it was also pretty entertaining.

But what about the times we rejoice over people getting hurt emotionally?

What about the times we feel better about ourselves because we put someone down?

What about the situations where we wish harm to others so we can experience success?

There is something about us human beings that can cause us to find pleasure in someone else's pain. Maybe it's the fact that it's not us. Maybe it makes us feel better about our situation. Maybe it's our sinful nature that allows us to become self-centered and self-seeking.

Regardless of what the cause is, God calls us to explore a different way of living. Instead of laughing at someone's misfortune, God asks us to get down in the mess with them. Rather than rejoice in another's sorrow, God wants us to weep with them.

It is a different way of living. One that the world often looks at strangely. But it's one that often catches the eye of the person who is hurting. While the world often looks on in bewilderment, the downcast and untouchables of society capture a glimpse of the One we live to serve.

shine!
Jason