“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn” (Romans 12:15).
We do not have to be physically present with others to offer this kind of support, we can do so as we process our own life experiences. In our tearful places we can remember those who have experienced sadness. In our joyful places, we can remember those who have shared similar gladness. We can include them in our prayers and in our praise.
We can go farther and give them a call or send them a note letting them know they are on our heart and in our prayers.
This is not only a way to love others, but also a way to care for ourselves. When from the heights of celebration we include others, it multiplies our joy, and when from the depths of sorrow we remember others it becomes a balm of blessing to our own spirit.
In other words, the instruction to mourn with those who mourn also applies for people who are weeping. And rejoice with those who rejoice is also instruction for people who are in a place of rejoicing.
To paraphrase and familiar saying, remembering others as we process our own lives doubles our joy and halves our sorrows.
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