Everyone has the ministry of a smile.  Think about this: a smile doesn’t cost anyone anything to give and it’s readily available to us to give at all times.  But, not having a smile just might cost you the opportunity to share Jesus with someone who needs Him.

We don’t always know what another is going through; what problems they have in their home or on the job, or the struggle within themselves regarding their own value and potential.  A smile can give a person hope and joy.  But the benefits go further than just to the one receiving a smile because a smile is beneficial for the giver as well.

I can tell you from my own experience that it seems when I’ve not had a smile on my face, usually it’s either because I’m not well physically OR I’m thinking too much about myself rather than thinking of others, OR more importantly I took my attention and focus off of Jesus.  In other words I had my focus on the wrong thing – or should I say – on the wrong person!   Keeping my focus on Jesus keeps me smiling.

Being curious I actually did a search on the Web on the benefits of a smile and one of the first things that came up was from Benefits Bridge, The Top 7 Health Benefits of Smiling. They listed the benefits as: Improved mood, lower blood pressure, stress relief, better relationships, stronger immune function, pain relief, longer life, and the note by the last one stated that “smiling and laughter are beneficial for your mind, body and overall well-being.  Even if you’re feeling blue, crack a smile and reap the numerous health benefits of smiling.”

According to the Bible there are also benefits to having a grateful or merry heart.

Proverbs 17:22 tells us that a merry heart is like medicine.  A merry heart also denotes a thankful heart.  Being thankful not only helps us physically to stay healthy but it also blesses those around.  Everyone knows it easier and more fun to be with someone who is pleasant rather than someone who is grouchy all the time!

Proverbs 15:13 also says that a merry heart makes a cheerful countenance.  Being cheerful helps to bring hope, courage, and comfort to others as well as helps us deal with situations in our own life.  I’ve found that one way to be a good witness for Jesus is choosing to have a cheerful heart by monitoring my heart desires and motives, my words and conduct; constantly bringing them into submission to God’s Word.  Isaiah 61:3 teaches us to put on the garment of praise is for the spirit of heaviness (this could be just sadness or even depression).  I have personally found this to be true; that if I will praise God and Jesus Christ my Lord – even when I don’t feel so happy or feel well – it brings joy to my heart, healing to my body, and thereby changes my countenance and my life.

Choose every day to be merry, joyful, and to bring glory to God.