“Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” I am thankful Paul gives both as examples of how we are to love others in Romans 12:15 (ESV). We all have moments or seasons of rejoicing, as well as seasons of mourning and weeping.
When I reflect on times I have felt loved, some of the most profound moments are when others cry with me. One example of my family loving me in the way described in Romans 12:15 was the night my husband and I shared our struggle with infertility. I remember sitting in the living room, the glowing embers from the fireplace providing the only light, and my family weeping with us. They showed love by sitting in sadness with us, not jumping automatically to platitudes or attempting to “fix” things, but weeping with those who weep. Love in action.
Even as I have experienced beautiful examples of love in my life that reflect what Paul outlines here in Romans 12, I realize how often I fall short when loving others. This passage sets a high standard. Practicing patience in affliction? So hard! Blessing those who persecute you…can feel impossible. Not being conceited? Clinging only to what is good? Honestly, the more I read these verses the more I realize I could never live up to this standard of love on my own. I need God.
I have experienced the incredible love of God through others, and I know the only way I can truly love others is through God, as well. Our world has both beauty and rottenness, goodness and sin. It is hard, as flawed people, to choose love, to choose good, every time. Just look around at this world, and inside ourselves; our need for God is apparent.
When I am loved by others, I can offer thanks to God, when I find myself not loving others well, I can confess my need for God. We want to be known as people who are joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. This comes with humility in realizing we need God to be able to have true joy, patience, faithfulness, and love. Thank God He is our source and we don’t need to muster up the strength to love well on our own. We need God. And God is here with us.
For Reflection:
- Can you think of an example when you were loved well? Give thanks to God for that love.
- Ask God to help you love those you encounter in daily life – especially when it’s a challenge.
by Megan “Mac” Littel
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