Live, Laugh, Love

We have all heard the phrase live, laugh, love and it is a beautiful quote I might add. It has so much depth and meaning. The phrase is an abridged form of the 1904 poem “ Success” by Bessie Anderson Stanley which begins: He achieved success who has lived well, laughed often, and loved much. It was taken and re written by others but the very first time these action words were spoken were in the Bible.

This were spoken many times in the Bible. That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing, Then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them.

JESUS tells us He came so that we could “have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance ( to the full, till it overfl ows)”. So we might live.

The world has tried to define love in many different ways. It has a lot to say about “romantic love”, “true love” and even “selfless love”. But we best know what love is because of Jesus Christ! He encapsulated love for each of us.

I once heard someone say that laughter is like internal jogging, and I think that is so true. Laughter improves emotional and mental health, it lifts our spirits, and it dispels worry. It’s almost impossible to be anxious and laugh at the same time. This is why we would be wise to express joy in laughter every chance we get.

God has given us the ability to laugh for a reason. It may seem like a little thing, but laughter is vitally important in the battle against stress, anxiety, fear and worry. It’s a tool from God that benefits you in so many ways. We see in God’s Word that He gives us the gift of laughter: Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, “ The Lord has done great things for them” (Psalm 126:2). He will yet fi ll your mouth with laughter, and your lips with shouting (Job 8:21). A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones (Proverbs 17:22).

The Bible says a joyful heart is a good medicine because laughter lift s your spirits, improves your mental, emotional and physical health, and de-stresses your mind. And (here is the best part) . . . it costs nothing.

Laughter is the most beautiful and beneficial therapy God ever granted humanity. ~ Chuck Swindoll Visit us in service at 9456 Hwy 146 Hardin, TX or live on facebook @tfchardin.