Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. – (Romans 12:15, NIV)
Celebrate with those who celebrate, and weep with those who grieve. – (Romans 12:15, TPT)
If some have cause to celebrate, join in the celebration. And if others are weeping, join in that as well. – (Romans 12:15, VOICE)
We are called to be compassionate and to have empathy for one another. This is natural with those with whom we are closest, but it requires an intentional decision to love enough to invest in the hearts of others. When we do, we understand and care about what transpires in the lives of those around us. A love that is true is one that celebrates with others when good comes their way, and mourns alongside them when losses are experienced. Such love not only asks how others are doing, but is prepared to receive honest answers through active and intentional listening. May we ever seek the Lord to grow us in compassion and empathy for those around us, so that we may truly love as we are called to love by God.
To love as God loves,
Requires intent;
To seek understand,
Purposeful time spent.
Called to compassion,
To walk alongside;
Love for the hurting,
With arms open wide.
And when there’s reason,
To rise and rejoice;
Shoulder to shoulder,
In praise, lift each voice.
Through ev’ry season,
Choose to truly love;
For that’s how others,
Know they are thought of.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to compassion and empathy for those around us. Thank You that You showed us through Your Son, what such love looks like. Jesus rejoiced with those who rejoiced, and wept with those in mourning. Forgive us for the times that we either ignored an opportunity to love well, or sought to help without truly responding in love. Show us how to celebrate with those who celebrate and to mourn with those who are grieving. Lead us to love like You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek Your heart for those around us so that we may love like You. Amen.
© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” – John 13:34
Revelations In Writing 