Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Romans 12:15

In my haste to prove a point yesterday I neglected the flip side of mourning: rejoicing. I suspect one of the reasons Paul had to write this is because rejoicing at others’ successes is not always obvious. I’m not sure why that is except to say that perhaps a bit of jealousy creeps in.

Let me illustrate it like this. I have quite a few nieces, nephews, and kids of friends of mine. When they tell me news about school or their activities, I am genuinely pleased. In fact, I tend to go overboard in praise just a tad when I hear it. Why? Primarily because kids always need encouragement when they do something well.

But I do have to watch myself when others – particularly my peers – are rejoicing because I begin to compare, and that is dangerous. I compare my situation, achievements, faults, and strengths to that person’s. It all happens quickly but it does happen.

Join me in rejoicing with others this week. Forget your history, confrontations, strengths, and weaknesses regarding this person. Delight in what he/she is rejoicing in.