Sharing Others' Joy
Rejoice with those who rejoice.
Romans 12:15
At first glance, the concept of sharing someone else’s joy seems easy enough to accept. But when that person’s blessings, honor, and welfare come at your expense or perhaps make your circumstances appear unsatisfying by comparison, you naturally want to be resentful or jealous rather than happy.
However, it is distinctively Christian for you to rejoice in the good circumstances and rewards of others—especially other Christians—no matter what your own situation might be. “If one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it” (1 Cor 12:26).
MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 222). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.
Lessons Learned: All happiness is a result of God's grace, so we should rejoice in it. Celebrate the happiness of others just as you would your own happiness. No matter what our own personal circumstances, even if someone else's joy comes at our expense, share in their joy, and honor God with your contentment. Remember that Paul learned to be content in every circumstance, because he could do all things through Christ who gave him strength (Phil 4:11, 13).
Applications: Always trust in God and remember that it is His sovereign will which controls all. Remember to be content, and don't be jealous of others good fortune, or upset about your misfortune. Let "the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Phil 4:7) so that you can share in the joy of others.
Prayer Subjects: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God" (Phil 4:6). Pray for the "peace of God" to guard my heart and mind, so that I would be truly happy for others and not anxious about how it may affect me. Pray that we would always remember to thank God for everything, whether it brings us joy or sorrow. Pray that God would be praised and glorified by our joy.
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Romans 12:15
At first glance, the concept of sharing someone else’s joy seems easy enough to accept. But when that person’s blessings, honor, and welfare come at your expense or perhaps make your circumstances appear unsatisfying by comparison, you naturally want to be resentful or jealous rather than happy.
However, it is distinctively Christian for you to rejoice in the good circumstances and rewards of others—especially other Christians—no matter what your own situation might be. “If one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it” (1 Cor 12:26).
MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 222). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.
Lessons Learned: All happiness is a result of God's grace, so we should rejoice in it. Celebrate the happiness of others just as you would your own happiness. No matter what our own personal circumstances, even if someone else's joy comes at our expense, share in their joy, and honor God with your contentment. Remember that Paul learned to be content in every circumstance, because he could do all things through Christ who gave him strength (Phil 4:11, 13).
Applications: Always trust in God and remember that it is His sovereign will which controls all. Remember to be content, and don't be jealous of others good fortune, or upset about your misfortune. Let "the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Phil 4:7) so that you can share in the joy of others.
Prayer Subjects: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God" (Phil 4:6). Pray for the "peace of God" to guard my heart and mind, so that I would be truly happy for others and not anxious about how it may affect me. Pray that we would always remember to thank God for everything, whether it brings us joy or sorrow. Pray that God would be praised and glorified by our joy.
Listen to this entry
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