Rejoice With Those Who Rejoice ( Romans 12:15 )

Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.

Romans 12:15

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This verse seems very clear rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep. It makes sense as Christians we are a body and more than that we are a family in Christ. When a family member is happy about say doing well on a test or just happy about a beautiful sunny day isn't it only natural to rejoice with them about that. On the flip side say your little sister or brother pet died wouldn't you weep with them to help them in the mourning process.

The same should go with our brothers and sister in Christ,but so much deeper. Do you ever feel something deep in your soul and can't explain,but have the need to pray? I know whenever I feel that way it is God speaking to my soul to pray for a brother or sister. One thing I can tell people and you can guarantee this is we never stop needing prayer. Friends I encourage you the next time you see one of your brothers or sisters in Christ, if they are rejoicing join in and give God the glory. If you find a brother or sister weeping, weep with them,but encourage them reminding them He is there with them comforting them. Remind that there will be a day when there will be no more pain and no more tears.

This verse reminds of a verse in Philippians where it says let this mind be in you, which was in Christ( Philippians 2:5 ). Christ had compassion for those hurting and as the scriptures say sent so we could have eternal life( John 3:16 ). Essentially He rejoices with us when we rejoice and weeps with us when we weep. There isn't a single step in life we walk alone. In fact more often He carries us. One of my favorite Jeremy Camp songs really drives this point in the opening lyrics, " the reason why I stand the answer lies in you, you hung to make me strong." The very reason I can stand is because of Him and the reason I have the strength to fight the good is because of Him. I know through His strength I can do all things( Philippians 4:13 ) and with that I push forward remembering this life isn't about me,but all about Him. I remember there are those looking for answers,hope, and truth. I know that He can satisfy all three.

Friends I encourage you to push forward in 2009. No matter how bleak things look with the economy and just the world in general. Remember perfect strength is made in weakness( 2 Corinthians 12:9 ). Stay strong and hold fast to the faith. He is faithful and He will take of you. As it is written the just shall live by faith ( Habakkuk 2:4 ).


For anyone reading this tonight who has not accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and personal Savior I invite you to do so. Ask Him into your heart and admit your a sinner in need of His forgiveness. Be real with Him and cast all your worries, doubts, and fears at His feet, the feet of mercy for He cares for you( 1 Peter 5:7 ). Repent of your old ways, your sins and find your identity in Jesus Christ( 2 Corinthians 5:17 ). Don't let your past or not being perfect get in the way( Psalm 103:12, Romans 3:23 ). Instead cast yourself upon His mercy( Luke 18:13 ). Remember He is waiting on you with arms wide open( John 3:16 ). In those arms you will find love( John 15:13 ), mercy( Romans 5:6-8 ), forgiveness( 1 John 1:9 ), and a grace that is sufficient( 2 Corinthians 12:9 ). Will you choose Him? Will you let Him set you free from the bonds of sin( John 8:36 ) ? I encourage you to do so. This is the single greatest choice you will ever make. It is a matter of life and death, life and death eternal( John 3:18 ). Don't wait, make the choice tonight( Matthew 24:36 )!


God bless,
John W. Whybrew III <><