The Joy Of Sharing

Rejoice with those who rejoice [sharing others’ joy], and weep with those who weep [sharing others’ grief]. ~ Romans 12:15 (Amplified Bible)

Do you share in the joy of others?

How do you respond when you hear that someone has received a blessing?

For example, you hear that your co-worker just became engaged to be married. Or you find out your neighbor is going on a cruise to the Bahamas, or maybe it’s your friend’s child who was awarded an academic scholarship that will cover the full tuition for a college of choice.

Do you pick up the phone, write an email, or text a message congratulating the person? Or do you just think to yourself, “Oh good for them!” and carry on with your day?

I believe most people simply don’t think about sharing in the joy of others.

Rejoicing in each other’s blessings is actually what we are told to do, by God. In Romans 12:15 it says, “Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep.”

God has told us this because He knows that it is for the good of all.

Sharing in each others joy benefits others, God, and us (tweet this).

So, why is it so hard to rejoice with others in their joy?  Why as Christians do we not encourage and edify one another more?

Being happy when others are happy and celebrating with them is one area that many don’t consciously think about.  As followers of Christ, however, we have to be intentional and consistently aware of what others are going through, whether it’s a hardship or an achievement.

For most people it’s clearer to share in the sorrow of others, but not as obvious to share in the moments of others’ joy.

When you are intentional about celebrating joy with other’s, you worship God.

You are worshipping Him because of your obedience to His Word. You are thanking Him for How good He is. His love for us doesn’t have to be seen only in our own lives, but can also be seen in the blessings He has poured onto others.

Christianity is not a passive faith. In James 1:22 we are told, “But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.”  This means that as followers of Christ we are to be obedient to God’s commandments and strive to be more like Him.

Jesus is selfless. He always thinks of others first. In Philippians 2:4 we are told, “Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.”

It ought to be every Christians desire to live intentionally for Jesus. This means when you see someone has received a blessing from God, be the first one to pick up the phone and call them, tell them how happy you are for how the Lord has blessed them.

Reach out in love, even if you don’t feel like it. Send a simple email or a text message. Often we don’t see the need to rejoice, but we ought to celebrate with others anyway.

Rejoice with others in the midst of their joy. The result will be a stronger unity and love in the body of Christ.

God cares about everything that we care about. He cares about every detail of our lives. We need to care for others this way too.

It’s a privilege to rejoice with someone. The blessing will be on you, them and most importantly, on God.

Let’s build up the body of Christ by being conscious of celebrating with others in their joys. At the same time we will be showing the world the love of Jesus.

Leave me a comment below on whether or not you have been intentional in sharing in the joy of others?

“The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.” ~ Proverbs 11:25.

Photo Credit: Steven Chellappa