“Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” -Romans 12:15
Adding to his list of character traits becoming of a Christian, Paul next lays down an exhortation toward true love for one’s neighbor, that of mutual affection. Genuine gospel-generated love is compelled to share in the celebrations as well as the heartache’s of one’s neighbor. We are to rejoice with those who are celebrating good news and blessings in their lives and we are to have real sympathy for those who are suffering and carrying heavy burdens.
An unfortunate tendency that seems more prevalent than is should among professed believers is the begrudging of a brother or sister for blessings they receive (i.e., a promotion at work, a pregnancy, a book deal, etc.) and the avoidance of the same in their time suffering (i.e., injury, lost loved one, lost job, etc.). Let it not be so named amongst Christ’s followers.
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