Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.
—Romans 12:15
Thoughts on Today’s Verse…
We are not alone. God promised that he would never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5-6). He has given us Jesus’ family to find support and share our joys. Along the way, we want to share each other’s burdens and soar on each other’s joys. We want to love each other through our hurts and mourn with each other through our grief. There should be no such thing as a solo Christian, whether joyful or in sorrow, excited or downtrodden. If we see a brother or sister struggling in life and feeling alone, let’s decide to walk with them. If we see one in joyful celebration, we should join them in that celebration. If they feel horrible sorrows and grief, we should sit with them and let them share their grief with us. We demonstrate our love for Jesus by the ways we love each other, and demonstrate that love in clear, practical ways of being with them, serving them, and sharing in their joys and sorrows (John 13:34-35; 1 John 3:16-18).
My Prayer…
Loving Father, lead me to the people today who need their burdens lifted and their joys celebrated. Let me be your presence in the life of another believer today, whether they face good times or hard times. I ask to be more like Jesus, to sense the needs of my brothers and sisters, and to be present for them. I pray this in the power and authority of Jesus’ name. Amen.
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
