Romans 12:15 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.
In this verse we notice repetition of words, but we also notice extreme opposite emotions. We see the similarities like hot and cold so are the emotions of joy and sorrow. The immediate application is that as a Christian we should mirror both the joy and the sorrow of our friends and relatives.
Grieving has lots of complexities of that include our own hurts. But it is important that we learn to hurt with others who are hurting. Joy on the other hand seems to be the easier emotion to match. But joy for others can reveal hidden attitudes within our own heart. Envy, greed, jealousy can cause us to be less than genuine with our expression of joy. Be careful not to judge the success of others as undeserving in some way.
So who do you know that would receive encouragement by your acknowledging their joyful achievement? What could you give them, say to them, do for them, that would show that you share in their joy?
Who do you know that has recently lost a loved one or friend? Think about remembering them on significant events like birthdays or anniversaries. Walking with them in their pain is part of healing.
Lets Pray
Father, help me to smile and laugh more often, A joyful heart is good medicine as it says in proverbs. Help me to be conscious about greeting people with a smile and a cheerful greeting that communicates that I am happy to see them. Father, I know that I smile at my new grandbaby and have so much joy when she smiles back. May I remember to look with gratitude at you, knowing that you are smiling over me.
Father, a man died today that many people were praying for a miraculous healing this side of heaven. Help this family with death of her husband, and dad. May your presence hold together those who are confused and hurting. Words are not enough, but they are necessary to communicate love to those who are hurting. Death was not part of the original plan for man to experience…it hurts deep in our spirit…But Jesus has overcome death.
Thank you for the body of Christ to share in our journey both in sorrow and joy. We pray in Jesus Name, Amen
In this verse we notice repetition of words, but we also notice extreme opposite emotions. We see the similarities like hot and cold so are the emotions of joy and sorrow. The immediate application is that as a Christian we should mirror both the joy and the sorrow of our friends and relatives.
Grieving has lots of complexities of that include our own hurts. But it is important that we learn to hurt with others who are hurting. Joy on the other hand seems to be the easier emotion to match. But joy for others can reveal hidden attitudes within our own heart. Envy, greed, jealousy can cause us to be less than genuine with our expression of joy. Be careful not to judge the success of others as undeserving in some way.
So who do you know that would receive encouragement by your acknowledging their joyful achievement? What could you give them, say to them, do for them, that would show that you share in their joy?
Who do you know that has recently lost a loved one or friend? Think about remembering them on significant events like birthdays or anniversaries. Walking with them in their pain is part of healing.
Lets Pray
Father, help me to smile and laugh more often, A joyful heart is good medicine as it says in proverbs. Help me to be conscious about greeting people with a smile and a cheerful greeting that communicates that I am happy to see them. Father, I know that I smile at my new grandbaby and have so much joy when she smiles back. May I remember to look with gratitude at you, knowing that you are smiling over me.
Father, a man died today that many people were praying for a miraculous healing this side of heaven. Help this family with death of her husband, and dad. May your presence hold together those who are confused and hurting. Words are not enough, but they are necessary to communicate love to those who are hurting. Death was not part of the original plan for man to experience…it hurts deep in our spirit…But Jesus has overcome death.
Thank you for the body of Christ to share in our journey both in sorrow and joy. We pray in Jesus Name, Amen