2^nd January

“Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep.”

Romans 12:15

Part of sharing Christ in all we do, is standing alongside people, just as Jesus did. When Lazarus died, Jesus wept with Mary and Martha (albeit, it may have been for other reasons too). Jesus felt the pain of the sick and needy and stood by them. He shared in the helplessness of the woman caught in adultery and showed mercy to her. He endured the same pain as the convicted men who hung beside Him on the cross. Furthermore, Jesus lives today beside us in all we do, rejoicing with us in good times and comforting us in our needs.

We too are commanded to do likewise. Notice the command does not say ‘take God’s place’ or ‘Bible bash a person in need’. It says, show grace, and weep with those who weep and be happy with those who are happy. Our role is to get alongside our brothers and sisters, to be their feet when they can’t stand. To be happy and rejoice with those who received good news or experienced God’s blessings in their lives.

We don’t have to have all the answers. Sometimes us just being there is the answer. The same is with Jesus. He is our answer for all things. In the good and the bad. Do we not feel comforted knowing that Jesus, the King of Kings, is by our side all the time? If so, then we too should replicate that in our own lives by being there for others too.