Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. (Romans 12:14-15)
Have you been in a storm recently? Not just a physical one, but an internal storm in your soul or a storm of troubles and trials? I’ve learned that everyone is either going through a storm, has just been through a storm, or is getting ready to go through one. It's easy to allow circumstances to depress our spirits and steal our joy, but as believers, we are called to live a higher life. Romans 12:14-15 encourages us to rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, and persist in prayer even during the difficult moments.
Rejoicing in hope means finding our joy and confidence in the promises of God, even when we don’t yet see the outcome. It's a choice to shift our focus from the present difficulties to the confident expectation that God is working behind the scenes doing what only He can do. Our joy is not dependent on the circumstances we face, but on the hope we have in Christ, knowing that He who began a good work in us will perform it.
When we face trials, it's easy to become weary, discouraged, or even resentful at the fact that we are going through the struggle. However, the Word of God instructs us to be patient in tribulation. Patience is not simply waiting passively; it is an active and cheerful endurance. It involves staying anchored in God's truth, declaring His promises, and trusting that He is working on our behalf. It means doing what we can do while we wait on the fullness of God’s promises to come to pass. When we patiently endure, we allow God's grace to work on our mountains and bring about the victory we have been believing for.
When Paul told us to rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep, he reminded us of the power of compassion. When we share in the joys and sorrows of others, we display the love of Christ to them and build genuine connections with each other. Rejoicing with others doesn't diminish our own joy; instead, it multiplies it as we celebrate together.
Practical Application
Rejoice with others in their victories and offer a listening ear, a caring heart, and prayer to those who are going through difficult times.