A TIME TO REJOICE AND A TIME TO WEEP

In Romans 12:9-21, Paul is talking about what love in action looks like. You could almost think of it like a bullet list because he is addressing so many different things. One way to show love for others is to do what Romans 12:15 says: “rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” This can be hard because in doing so, we’re denying self. And you know today we are all about self.

REJOICE WITH THOSE WHO REJOICELet’s be real, sometimes it may be hard to rejoice with those who rejoice. Maybe you’ve been praying for a new car and your friend says they get one. Or maybe you’ve been trying to conceive and your friends share the news about their pregnancy. Or maybe you’ve been praying for an increase in your income and your friend tells you that they just got a promotion. We’re still sinful human beings, so rejoicing for others may not always come easy. Pride, jealousy, and envy typically rise up during these moments. We think that they don’t deserve the gift, but we do. I say all of this because I’ve experienced it. I’ve been that angry, jealous, prideful person who would think “well I do x, y, and z God, why didn’t I get that?” But trust God and His perfect timing. He has a unique plan for all of His children. Confess your sin to God and pray that He will begin to do a work within your heart. It will get easier over time!
WEEP WITH THOSE WHO WEEPI think this is just as hard as rejoicing with those who rejoice. There is so much pressure to have it all together just because we’re Christians, which isn’t right. People often conceal their struggles so they don’t get shunned. We have created this culture of not opening up about our struggles because if someone is struggling we assume that they don’t have “enough” faith or there is some secret sin in their life. It reminds me about the story of Job! Take some time to read through the book if you haven’t yet.
Now, I want you to picture this in your mind: It’s your turn to clean up, but you’re in a rush. So you look around to see if anyone is watching and while you’re sweeping you just pick the welcome mat up and sweep the dirt under there. 
Oftentimes, that’s exactly what happens when Christians open to their friends. They begin popping topical verses and throwing them at them in order for them to feel better. While there is nothing wrong with directing them back to Truth, you must take that time to weep with them. I love what Steven J. Cole says, “Paul doesn’t say, “Counsel those who weep,” but “Weep with those who weep.” What if we actually listened to our friend's struggles with the intent of listening to understand how they are feeling, instead of listening to create a response. Sometimes, people don’t even want a response. Sometimes, they’ve had everything all built up inside and they just want to get it out. Sometimes, they may just want you to listen. Can you do that? Be there to comfort your friends and listen to them. If they want advice, then express the truth about how you may not understand how they feel and then reassure them with Truth. Remind them about the character of God and encourage them! 
Friends, I know this isn’t an easy pill to swallow. I’ve struggled with rejoicing with those who rejoice. I’ve struggled with not comforting my friends. But I’m praying the Lord will help all of us with these struggles!
This post was originally published on March 13, 2018.