While the Bible doesn’t specifically talk about smiling in the literal sense, it has much to say about joy, kindness, and expressions of happiness, which are often reflected in a smile. Biblical teachings emphasize the inner joy that comes from a relationship with God, and this joy naturally manifests in our outward expressions, including smiles. The Bible also encourages believers to spread kindness and love, which can be as simple as sharing a smile.
Interested in how smiles and expressions of joy fit into the biblical perspective? Let’s uncover the deeper significance of joy, kindness, and love in the Bible, and how these virtues can be reflected in our everyday expressions, like smiling.
What Does the Bible Say About Smiling?
The concept of smiling, as an expression of joy and kindness, aligns well with many biblical teachings. While the act of smiling itself may not be directly mentioned, the Bible is rich in references to joy, happiness, and kindness, which are often the source of a genuine smile.
Joy is a central theme in the Bible. It’s considered a fruit of the Holy Spirit, indicating that true joy is a gift from God. This joy transcends circumstances; it’s not dependent on external factors but is rooted in a deep sense of God’s love and presence. When we experience this joy, it naturally reflects in our demeanor, including our smiles.
The Bible also talks a lot about kindness and loving others. Expressions of kindness, like a warm smile, can be powerful in communicating love and acceptance. In a world that can often be harsh and unkind, a simple act of smiling at someone can be a reflection of the love that Jesus taught.
Furthermore, smiles and laughter can be seen as expressions of God’s blessings and the joy of community. They help to create bonds between people and can be a source of comfort and encouragement. In the New Testament, the early church is often described as being full of joy and sharing their lives with glad and sincere hearts.
God’s view, as reflected in the Bible, seems to be that our inner joy and love should manifest in our interactions with others, including through smiles. While external expressions like smiling are not the core of Christian teachings, they are allowed and even encouraged as reflections of a joyful, kind, and loving heart.
In essence, the Bible, while not explicitly talking about smiling, certainly endorses the emotions and attitudes that often lead to a smile. Joy, kindness, love, and community are all highly valued in the scripture and naturally lead to expressions of happiness, including smiles. Now, let’s explore some specific Bible verses that relate to these themes.
Bible Verses About Smiling
- Proverbs 17:22 – “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” This proverb emphasizes the health and life-giving effect of joy, which can be expressed through smiling.
- Galatians 5:22-23 – “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” Joy is listed as a fruit of the Spirit, a natural result of living in the Spirit, which can manifest in joyful expressions like smiling.
- Philippians 4:4 – “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” Paul’s exhortation to rejoice speaks to the importance of maintaining joy in our Christian walk, which can be outwardly shown through smiling and laughter.
- Proverbs 15:13 – “A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.” This proverb directly links the condition of the heart with the expression on the face, implying that a joyful heart leads to cheerful expressions like smiling.
- Nehemiah 8:10 – “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” This verse from Nehemiah suggests that joy, which might be reflected in a smile, is a source of strength for believers.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 – “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” This passage encourages believers to maintain a spirit of joy, prayer, and thankfulness.
- Psalm 126:2 – “Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy.” Here, the Psalmist recalls a time of joy and celebration, which involved laughter and smiling.
- Proverbs 31:25 – “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.” This verse describes a woman who finds strength and joy in her faith and future.
- Luke 6:21 – “Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.” Jesus speaks of a future time of joy and laughter, even for those who currently face sorrow.
- Proverbs 16:24 – “Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” This proverb suggests that kind words, often accompanied by a smile, are beneficial to both the speaker and the listener.
These verses collectively show that while the Bible may not explicitly talk about smiling, it abundantly speaks of joy, laughter, and kindness, which are often outwardly expressed through a smile. Smiling, as a reflection of inner joy and kindness, aligns beautifully with biblical teachings.