Share Another’s Joy - Jethro

Jethro was delighted when he heard about all the good things the LORD had done for Israel as he rescued them from the hand of the Egyptians.

Exodus 18:9

Hearing about someone else’s good fortune brings out the best in some people. Most of us like sharing in the joy of a couple’s newly announced engagement or the birth of a baby, for example.

The apostle Paul wrote that we are to “be happy with those who are happy” (Romans 12:15). That means joining others in celebrating God’s goodness to them.

Jethro, Moses’ friend and father-in-law, celebrated with the people of Israel when God had finally delivered them from years of oppression in Egypt. When Moses told Jethro, a Gentile, of the great things God had done, the elderly man couldn’t help rejoicing with them. “Praise the LORD, for he has rescued you from the Egyptians and from Pharaoh. . . . I know now that the LORD is greater than all other gods, because he rescued his people from the oppression of the proud Egyptians” (Exodus 18:10-11).

When Jethro heard of God’s goodness to the Israelites, he immediately blessed those around him with words of praise. He realized that the true God of Israel was at work in his family.

The same thing can happen when you share in another’s joy over God’s kindness and blessings. Will you openly praise God when he blesses your family, friends, and others who make up your world?

When God does great things in your life, it’s fitting to speak words of praise and thanksgiving. You bless others and yourself when you share in others’ joy and speak words of praise.