Put a Smile on Your Face

Have you ever thought about what a smile can do for you and for others?  Dr. Mark Stibich has written about smiling and has documented his writing with the research others have done on the subject.  Among other things, smiling helps relieve stress, elevates your mood, and even helps you live longer. It may also lower blood pressure, reduce pain, boost your immune system, and help you stay positive.  In addition, smiling is contagious.  A person’s brain automatically notices and interprets other people's facial expressions—which they sometimes mimic.

The word “smile” is not mentioned in the Bible, but the following verses suggest that a smile is connected to:

1)    Source.  A Smile comes from a happy heart. The Bible says, “A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit” (Proverbs 15:13).

2)    Nourishment.  A Cheerful Heart not only brings a smile, but it is something that nourishes people.  Scripture says, “All the days of the oppressed are wretched, but the cheerful heart has a continual feast” (Proverbs 15:15).

3)    Health.  A Cheerful Heart brings a Smile, but it also provides health to the body. In the Bible we are told, “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones” (Proverbs 17:22).

Smiles are a great way to do a lot of things.  For example, a smile will provide a warm welcome for people, bring encouragement to them, and let them know they are important.  In addition, a smile reveals love and shows kindness.

Leo F. Buscaglia said, “Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.”  Let’s think about smiling more.  A smile is good for you.  A smile is good for other people.  A smile will please God.