Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Romans 12:15 (ESV)
Why is it that we often have an easier time weeping with the hurting than rejoicing with the successful?
Maybe you’ve wrestled with insecurity when someone you know started doing better than you. Or maybe you know someone who struggled with jealousy when you moved on to a better house or job. As believers, we need to be there for others in both cases.
We’re all familiar with the story found in Matthew 14 when Peter walked on water. When Peter focused on the storm and began to sink, Jesus caught his hand and walked back to the boat with him. When others are sinking in life’s seas, Jesus’ example shows us the importance of lending a helping hand. But often we lose sight of something exciting in this story. Peter walked on water! When others dare to try new things and they reach their goals, we need to rejoice with them!
Certainly, when someone experiences a loss or is going through a hard time, we need to come alongside to support, comfort and weep with them. But we need to do the same and celebrate when others rise up and experience success or move on to the next level in their business or personal life. Encouragement from family and friendships help to motivate people to keep going.
You can become a person who encourages others in good times and bad. I’m not saying you should encourage extreme risk or ventures that might result in others getting hurt, but you can use wisdom as you offer grace and support both in times of loss and success. Jesus did both with incredible love and so can you!