“Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep”. (12:15)

All the chapters in today’s reading portion are gold mines of advice to convert anybody into a child of God. Each verse is a treasure indeed.

Out of all these, the one which would seem to be the simplest is, ”Rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep.” But in reality, this is the hardest one to practise.

Can we rejoice with others in the following instances?

1. My son and my neighbour’s son were class mates in Std.X11. My son failed in the final exam. My neighbour’s son secured distinction and stood topper in the school. Will I rejoice with my neighbour over his son’s success?
2. My colleague and myself are working in the same office. I am still living in a rented accommodation. My colleague constructed a luxury house and invited me to the house warming ceremony. Will I be attending the house warming function with real joy?
3. My daughter and my neighbour’s daughter are of the same age. My daughter’s marriage has not taken place so far. His daughter’s marriage is already over and now she has a child. She invites me to the baptism ceremony of the child. Will I rejoice with the parents?
4. I don’t possess a car. The sexton (assistant) at our church bought a car. Will I rejoice with him?

If the answers to all the questions are ‘Yes’, then you have already attained the standard which Paul has set.

Now, the next one- is to weep with those who weep. It won’t be much difficult for us because it is the other man’s sorrow, after all. It is not mine, therefore I can join in his grief. But it is not something that can be done easily. The one who totally identifies with the other person only, can share his grief in its entirety.

Both these things are possible but abundant Grace is needed for this. Let us pray for that.

George Joseph Trivandrum