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Laughter, Health, and God’s Law

Laughter, Health, and God’s Law

The Bible says that “a merry heart does good, like medicine” (Proverbs 17:22 NKJV).

But does being merry and cheerful actually bring real, measurable health benefits? According to science, the answer is a resounding “yes.” Here are just a few findings

  • Mirthful laughter reduces inflammation, improves diabetes control, and reduces incidence of heart attacks.[1]
  • Cardiologists at the University of Maryland found that patients who were suffering from myocardial infarction (heart attack) were 40 percent less likely to laugh. However, laughter was shown to reduce the risk of having a heart attack[2]
  • Other researchers found beneficial effects of laughter on the blood vessel. Nitric oxide is a chemical that the body uses to dilate blood vessels. Mental stress was shown to degrade nitric oxide. This would mean that laughter minimizes the negative effects of stress by reducing the breakdown of nitric oxide, leading to vasodilatation and better blood flow.[3] On average, laughter increased blood flow by 22 percent and stress decreased blood flow by 35 percent. [4]
  • Laughter has been shown to improve the response of the immune system.[5]
  • In a study performed by Berk LS, et al., they found increased blood levels of interferon-gamma (an immune product that fights infections and cancers) in ten healthy fasting males after being shown a comedy video (p=0.02).[6] As a result, interferons have become a line of pharmacotherapy in viral infections, systemic carcinomas, hepatitis B and C, in addition to the development of antiretroviral drugs.
  • There are two types of stress: distress (the negative type) and eustress (the positive type, which is also known as mirthful laughter). Distress increases stress hormones—such as beta-endorphins, corticotrophins, and catecholamines—but laughter (a form eustress) decreased these hormones, fortified activity of natural killer (NK) cells, activated T cells and B cells, and increased Ig levels. This means that laughter is capable of combating the negative aspects of distress and fortifying the individual’s immune system to help fight against various immune mediated illnesses.[7]

In addition to the benefits listed above, laughter provides you with many more benefits: reduced anger and irritability, improved mood, decreased stress and tension, improved pain threshold, improved lung function, and reduced blood sugar levels.[8]

I should point out here for those with certain medical conditions that, while mirthfulness and a cheerful attitude remain beneficial, vigorous or forceful laughter could cause problems: a hernia could be worsened; an aneurysm could be ruptured; uncontrolled asthmatics could have breathing difficulty; etc.

The attitude of our hearts has a real impact on our health and well-being. And this gives insight into why the Bible says we must call the Sabbath a delight (Isaiah 58:13). If we observe the Sabbath as a rule—merely an obligation to fulfill—a restriction, a time of all the things we can’t do, then the Sabbath isn’t a delight but a burden. Rather than being a blessing to us, the Sabbath observed in such a way, as a checklist of obedience, becomes a hardship. Health is not improved; in fact, it is actually worsened.

God’s laws are design law—the protocols upon which reality is built to operate, including the laws of health, physics, gravity, time, and the moral laws. Harmony with God’s laws always brings health and happiness, while violations are always damaging. Human beings cannot create reality; our laws are not the protocols upon which reality operates. Instead, sinful humans make up rules and then inflict punishments for breaking those rules, as there are no inherent consequences to violating such arbitrary rules.

When we replace the truth of God’s design laws for human imposed laws and experience obedience to God in the same we do human law (that is, under the threat of punishment), then we incite fear, stress, and anxiety, which damages our physical and mental well-being.

We can see that Ellen White, a pioneer of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, understood this principle. She wrote in Christ’s Object Lessons,

The man who attempts to keep the commandments of God from a sense of obligation—merely because he is required to do so—will never enter into the joy of obedience. He does not obey. When the requirements of God are accounted a burden because they cut across human inclination, we may know that the life is not a Christian life. True obedience is the outworking of a principle within. It springs from the love of righteousness, the love of the law of God. The essence of all righteousness is loyalty to our Redeemer. This will lead us to do right because it is right—because right doing is pleasing to God (p. 97., my emphasis).

What kind of law would one obey “merely because he is required to do so”? The answer is imperial law—a human-constructed system of rules, the same basis upon which penal-substitution law operates, in which rules are arbitrarily created, enforced, and punished. It’s a fraudulent law because it prevents people from experiencing God’s true healing plan. Why? Because it incites fear, stress, anxiety, which all lead to self-protecting behavior.

What kind of law would one obey “from the love of righteousness”—of right-doing? Only design law, in which God heals the heart so that we willingly follow the underlying protocols of His universe. This cannot be done from legal accounting, but by healing the heart and mind with true joy and peace.

This is a key to all God’s laws. They are design laws, with the real benefit of healing the human heart/character. Imperial law coerces your behavior by threats of punishment, but such law cannot change the heart. They are never an “outworking of a principle within.” Why? Because human-made laws don’t care about your heart; human governments care only about your obedience.

Love cannot be commanded; therefore, we cannot enforce God’s laws with threats. Likewise, God cannot change hearts, heal minds, nor transform characters by threatening to kill people who won’t love and trust Him. The only way to truly keep God’s law is from a free heart. To promote God’s kingdom with any other method than love, truth, and freedom is to advance Satan’s kingdom.

I invite you to rejoice, laugh, and be cheerful because God is our Creator and His laws of love are the protocols reality is built upon—understand these protocols and choose, with a free heart, to live in harmony with them. Reject the imperial-law lie infecting Christianity, which brings only stress, anxiety, and coerced behavior.

A merry heart is truly good medicine!


[1] Berk, L., et al, Mirthful laughter, as adjunct therapy in diabetic care, attenuates catecholamines, inflammatory cytokines, C-RP, and myocardial infarction occurrence, FASEB Journal, Vol. 22, No. 1_supplement, March 2008

[2] Vascular Medicine; Watching funny movies boosts blood flow to the heart. Health & Medicine Week,1660. Research Library database. (Document ID: 980266611); 2006.

[3] Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Nitric oxide; [Revised December 24, 2008].https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Nitric_oxide&oldid=259865728.

[4] Vascular Medicine; Watching funny movies boosts blood flow to the heart. Health & Medicine Week,1660. Research Library database.(Document ID: 980266611); 2006.

[5] Berk LS, Tan SA, Fry WF. Eustress of humor associated laughter modulates specific immune system components. Annals of Behavioral Medicine. 1993;15:11.

Berk LS, Tan SA, Fry WF. et al. Neuroendocrine and stress hormone changes during mirthful laughter. American Journal of the Medical Sciences. 1989;298:390.

Berk LS, Tan SA, Nehlsen-Cannarella SL. et al. Humor associated laughter decreases cortisol and increases spontaneous lymphocyte blastogenesis. Clinical Research. 1988;36:435A.

Martin RA. Is Laughter the Best Medicine? Humor, Laughter, and Physical Health. Current Directions In Psychological Science. 2002;11(6):216–8.

[6] The Laughter – Immune Connection. Berk LS, Tan SA; [Revised November, 1996].https://www.hospitalclown.com/Past%20Issues/Final%20PDFs/Vol%202-2Berk.pdf.

[7] Berk LS, Tan SA, Napier BJ. et al. Eustress of mirthful laughter modifies natural killer cell activity. Clinical Research. 1989;37:115A.

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Testimony 23

I would just like to add my voice to the many people who, I believe, must have contacted you to express their appreciation for the “Healing the Mind” DVDs. I’ve been listening to your Bible study class discussions for many years and I’ve been personally blessed by your research and teaching about the character of God.

L. G., Oakland, MI, USA

 

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K.B., LA, USA

 

Testimony 33

I was invited over a friend’s house to see the “God and Your Brain” seminar today. I became [a christian] 36 years ago at the age of 19, but have struggled with the concept of God taking His ‘pound of flesh’ out on His Son to be appeased. Wow. Your seminar has been an incredible revelation and breath of reason and fresh air! I have your book, “The God Shaped Brain,” and it is SO eye opening. Finally, after 36 years enlightenment has come! Praise the Good Lord! What can I say, but that the Real Gospel is truly “Good News!” Thank you for your efforts in giving the Gospel a clear sound!

Paul C.,  Springfield, MA, USA

 

Testimony 30

God lead me to your book “The God-Shaped Brain” while I was searching for another book about the brain and then to your interview about your book on HeartWise Ministries [where] I found out about [Come And Reason Ministries]. I’m now devouring the webcasts of your Bible studies. I have been so greatly blessed and I thank God so much for your courage to speak the Truth in love no matter what. Listening to you contrast the two opposing systems (laws) and digging deep to unearth the hidden treasures in the Bible makes me so incredibly happy and I feel very blessed to be part of your Bible Study Group although I live far away. I am just so excited that there is a group of people that is spreading the Truth about the character of God and it saddens me how few realize what our Father in Heaven is really like.

Kessy B., Australia

 

Testimony 43

Two years ago I stumbled upon your book, “Could It Be This Simple,” and then found “The God-Shaped Brain” videos on YouTube, your bible study class, and the ‘Come And Reason’ mobile app. I shared your book with a friend and after nine months of showing love, patience, and kindness this person has been changed by the love of God, too. The same love that healed me, I now express to other women in tangible ways, such as to a Baptist woman with high anxiety and childhood trauma. She was extremely happy and relieved when I shared about the so-called “judgment of God” and burning in hell. She had no desire to serve a God that was so harsh. I have repeated the phrase dozens of times to her. “What we believe has power over us, but we have power over what we believe…”

This message that you are sharing has changed my life. I will continue to serve other women and bring this message of God’s healing love to their lives by sharing your books, YouTube videos, and The Remedy Bible app. Keep up the good work. Don’t be discouraged. God is doing a mighty work in and through this ministry!

Jill L., Midwest, USA

 

Testimony 72

I am blown away by the truth that you present. God’s Design Law makes so much sense! You have validated my impression that, if God is love, He would not kill those who don’t want to know him. If God gives us choice, then how can He destroy us if our choice is not to follow him. Thank you for opening my eyes and heart to the pure love of God seen through Jesus. The love I now have for Jesus is deeper and free from condemnation. My heart has been opened to love others as Jesus loves me. May God continue to bless your God-given insight into His word and your ministry. The truth has set me free!

H. Miller, Centereach, NY

Testimony 60

Just watched watched lesson 10 in the 1st quarter 2021 bible study classs on Isaiah. I want to thank you for your intellectual spirituality; it’s not an oxymoron! From the point of view of a teacher I also enjoy seeing how much personal pleasure you clearly take in not just tasting, but feasting on God’s word – it reminds me of Jeremiah not being able to hold it in! It makes me smile that your cup is so full and overflowing that you make it to Tuesday’s lesson (on a good day). It just goes to show the richness of God’s Word.

God bless the Come and Reason Team from our church here in Great Britain.

Andrew H., Great Britain

 

Testimony 57

You have helped make sense of thirty two years of confusion. The material you freely provide reorganized so much of my life into such a beautiful pattern that has always been hinted at from within, but misguided with my training and what I was experiencing externally. My filipno parents, who were converted from Catholicism to SDA, were sincere and did their best to raise me the right way and I have deep respect for them. However, being immigrants and not understanding the language made for a difficult transition as I was growing up, which also applied to my spiritual growth as I learned the patterns of religion. I have been listening to as many bible study classes and reading blog posts as my time in a work truck will allow, searching for the practical applications of where spirituality and reality meet, and I thank you for helping me find that. You have helped me reach a point in which I can truly say that I love God, that I believe He loves me, and, like David, I delight in His law. God bless.

Emmanuel V., Calgary, AB Canada

Testimony 31

It was very touching to hear the testimony of your class share how viewing God’s true character has changed their lives. My feelings are the same – there is so much freedom in knowing that God LOVES me – regardless of my… just, REGARDLESS! I’m still blown away by the true gospel, the fact that God is not ready to strike us when we fail. He is not arbitrary. He simply loves us and warns of the natural consequences because He can’t stand to see us suffer. I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS GOD!!!

Ceil V.,  UT, USA

 

Testimony 6

I got the book “Could It Be This Simple?” a few months ago and the reading was wonderful and I was fascinated. I lent the book to a friend at work. She is having a difficult time and the book is helping her to find Jesus and I found this very exciting. She has asked me questions and I can see her life changing.

H. S., Australia

 

Testimony 49

I came into the church at 21, but that is as far as it went. I was so confused about what love is. I couldn’t find it in the bible, because I am not a person that can read between the lines. I have no logic. I have read many, many books; trying to figure out the crux of the matter. They were helpful, but something was still missing. I have become very frustrated to the point of crying out to God, “Where can I go?”  I needed some basics.

I found two books, written by Timothy Jennings, MD, to be very helpful. God showed me that I had lived my whole life in fear. I didn’t even see it. Now, I do. God is so good.  I discovered the “The Remedy”  Dr. Jennings new book, “The God-Shaped Heart!” Oh, I was so excited, I purchased them right away.

I can get rid of most of my books, because “The Remedy” brings the Love of God out so clearly, even I can’t miss it. Now, I want to sit and read my Bible. Wow, what a revelation! It is just simply Awesome! I am so grateful to Jehovah Almighty for hearing my prayer for more understanding! I am so encouraged!

Jackie S.

 

Testimony 42

I am just writing to say that I have been so blessed by the teachings of Come And Reason Minitries recently. I watched last week’s bible study lesson on Youtube and am thankful that the error in the printed lesson guide you use was pointed out and this week’s study was of equal benefit, if not more so. My understanding of God’s nature has been very confused of late and I am so grateful for clarity in this matter. I have never really fully understood previously how a good God can cause bad things to happen and now I realise that He doesn’t, it’s a natural consequence of sin. May the almighty Father and His Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ, continue to bless your ministry.

Laura P., United Kingdom

 

Testimony 65

I have been tuning into your weekly study classes for a while now and wanted express my appreciation for the teachings that ha been a huge blessing in opening up the true message of the word. Viewing scripture under an imposed law theory always, without fail, raised more questions, concerns, and conflicting scripture interpretations that were discouraging at the very least. Looking at scripture through the design law lens has brought more truth to light for me personally and an understanding of our Heavenly Father that places Him “above all others,” where I am now more than thrilled to witness and serve Him.  I “stumbled” across this ministry a year or so ago and would only watch a few minutes at a time. But the more I listened and the longer I paid attention, the more my spiritual eyes were opened to the ever present truths of scripture. The comprehension of the great controversy and it’s origin by the lies perpetrated and perpetuated throughout the Bible on the attack of God’s character and government is truly priceless. Keep up the Good Work! Your servanthood is desperately needed in such a time as this!

Jeff D., Reading, MA, USA

 

Testimony 74

Thank you so much for opening my eyes. I’ve been through a lot of ministries that just didn’t show the love of God that I felt he was. You have helped me to begin the process of true healing. I thought I was “too far gone,” now I know there’s hope in Jesus, because he loves us beyond what we can comprehend. Thank you again for all you do. I truly appreciate it and pray more people find you (physical at your studio and through this website).

Dalio M.

Testimony 66

I am incredibly grateful for the transformative impact you’ve had on my life, and words cannot fully express my appreciation. Over the years, I have been an avid listener and follower of C&R and extend my heartfelt thanks for creating the C&R mobile app. It has allowed me to immerse myself in your lessons repeatedly, enabling me to grasp the profound significance about the Character of God, Design Law, the protocols for life, the reasons behind the current chaos, and Christ’s mission to restore everything. They have deeply touched me. Having studied with various churches, I came away with the perception that God is no different from the deities of ancient Greek or Roman mythology—demanding sacrifices and taking pleasure in bloodshed. Thanks to your transformative teachings, I have experienced a profound awakening to the true nature of God and the immense power of His love. It is truly a remarkable and liberating sensation to finally grasp the truth and embrace the empowering nature of God’s laws. My self-perception has become brighter and more infused with love. My journey of growth continues on a daily basis.

Chris P., Lake Mary, FL, USA