Words hurt, especially if you re on the receiving end. This type of humor, called sarcasm, is practically a way of life for some. No, it s not. If we direct it toward ourselves in a fun way, toward a ridiculous commercial or TV show, or if the person we re with is so close to us that there is no way he could take it as a cutting remark, then it can be okay. But all too often it s simply a way of saying something negative without appearing to be mean.
Sarcastic cuts are basically putdowns and they can be mean.
The kids in school who are sometimes treated like a verbal punching bag need a defender. Not only should you NOT join in, but perhaps you could stick up for them. Defending the defenseless is courageous work, and not every Christian teen has what it takes to speak up. Let them know that it makes you uncomfortable, it s not right to rip on others and ask them if they could put a lid on it. Tell them that their words are cutting this person deep.