27

Romans 12:15

"Rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep."


Paul is writing to the Romans, and if you haven't spent a lot of time reading this ancient letter, you should because it's awesome. Romans is very encouraging, and throughout it we find more of the character of Paul and the very very deep love he has for his Savior and for the church . . . for us. Like every book in the Bible, Romans has many layers. It is deep in many ways, but I think it primarily presents a pure and simple way to live life as a lover and friend of Jesus. Paul opens the letter by describing us as "...the beloved of God, called to be His saints." I think that's pretty amazing. It reminds me I have been given much, so much is expected of me.

In verse 12, Paul tells me how to be a friend. When someone you love is crying and their heart is broken, pray that God gives you compassion. If the person who is broken in front of you is someone you adore then this won't be difficult. But you may not particularly like the person whose heart is standing there, a broken mess. So, you may have to quickly beg God. Beg Him to bring you to a place where you feel the heart-break of the person in front of you. Ask Him for the compassion that Jesus had when He walked the earth. This compassion will change you.

The first part of this verse sometimes gets overlooked. Because, if we're honest, sometimes it's easier to cry with someone when they're hurting, than to celebrate with them when things are going perfect and great. Especially when they're not particularly going well for you and you wish it was you who were rejoicing and not them. Now, again, if you are very close with the rejoicer than you (hopefully) want them to be the happiest soul in the world, but if not, then it could get tricky. But when the love of Jesus is really really full in you, and you are secure in Him, you want others to be living in joy and at peace. And when it happens and you see a human soul truly rejoicing and celebrating their lives, you are completely fulfilled.

Bottom line is, it's not about you. Life is not about you, you're not the center of everyone's attention. Put others first. So maybe today when you're sitting with God, ask Him to help you be a better friend and person to other friends and people. Ask him to fill you with compassion so you have pure joy for people in their triumphs, and genuine sorrow in their brokenness. You will be so fulfilled, and live such a deeper life when you are living and walking with other people's hearts in your own heart and mind.