Beautiful Word Devotional #277

Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.

Romans 12:15

This simple guideline can have a profound impact on our everyday relationships as well as in our Christian community.

You sit next to a grieving friend, saying nothing, crying as she cries, just being there in the pain.

While mourning with those who mourn is not an easy assignment, the call to rejoice with people who rejoice may be more difficult. Whenever a friend succeeds at something or receives a huge blessing, we who are sinners by nature can react with envy. No wonder it’s rare to see someone be genuinely joyful about another person’s good news. To celebrate someone else’s victory, though, is a beautiful and meaningful gift to that person.

Ask God to help you be the kind of friend who finds joy in someone else’s joy and who grieves when another grieves. As you come alongside and share in your friend’s sorrow and joy, you are doing more than obeying your King: you are making his love for her more real.

Lord, help me—today and every day—to rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn, amen.