Daily devotion -Rejoicing and Weeping with the Church
Romans 12:15 (NKJV) “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.”
When we become part of the Church of Jesus Christ, we are brought into a unique and beautiful community of believers. As born-again Christians, we are no longer solely focused on ourselves, but we are enabled by God to share in the lives of our fellow believers. The bond we share in Christ allows us to empathize, rejoice, and weep with one another.
Jesus exemplified this deep empathy when He saw the multitudes following Him. He was moved with compassion for them, likening them to sheep without a shepherd. His love for them extended to the depths of His being, and He ached for their care.
Similarly, the apostle Paul expressed his deep concern and love for the Church in Galatia, describing it as going through labor pains for their spiritual growth in Christ.
To be able to rejoice and weep with fellow believers, we must develop deep connections and fellowship with them. Building meaningful relationships within the local Church allows us to share in each other’s joys and sorrows.
Cultivate empathy for others. Put yourself in their shoes and seek to understand their feelings and experiences. Be compassionate and caring, just as Jesus was towards the multitudes. When our fellow believers experience blessings and victories, join in their rejoicing. Celebrate their accomplishments and answered prayers with genuine joy.
In times of sorrow and pain, be there to weep with those who are hurting. Offer comfort, encouragement, and support as they navigate through difficult times. Actively participate in the life of the Church. Attend gatherings, serve, and contribute to the community of believers. This enables you to better connect and understand the needs of others. As part of the body of Christ, use your spiritual gifts to bless and edify others. Your life can make a significant impact on the lives of fellow believers when you serve with love and compassion.
As we grow in our love for one another and embrace the calling to rejoice and weep together, we experience the richness of Christian community. Our lives become intertwined, and the love of Christ is tangibly expressed through our empathy and support for each other. Let us actively engage in the life of the Church, rejoicing with those who rejoice and weeping with those who weep, just as Christ intended for His body, the Church.
John 13:34-35 (NKJV): “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this, all will know that you are My disciples if you have love for one another.”
1 Corinthians 12:25-26 (NKJV): “…that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.”
Galatians 6:2 (NKJV): “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NKJV): “Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.”
Colossians 3:12-14 (NKJV): “Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.”