One Joy, One Tear

Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.

Romans 12:15

Be glad with them that are happy and sob with them that are weeping. The principle that Paul encourages for the christians is that they are to be same-hearted, and same-minded towards one another, that each of us ought to feel the joys and sorrows of each of their Christian friends. Many when they are elated, would want to tell another person of their joy and gladness, and those who are sad , will need a shoulder to cry on, a hand to hold, a word of encouragement or just a silent listener. But Paul admonishes us to go further, to weep, to cry aloud with those who have wept. Taking the verse independently, this is the responsibility of every christian. But the apostle Paul has in mind the local church. This teaching to rejoice and to weep, reflects three principles of the local church:

SHE IS ONE:

Romans 12:5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. When the Lord calls us into the local church, every joy or sorrow faced by each member becomes our joy or sorrow. There is to be not only oneness in name, but also a oneness in heartfelt sympathies and concern. We are members one of another reflects the close interrelatedness we need to have for each other. Because we are One.

IT REFLECTS THE MUTUAL CARE WE OUGHT TO HAVE ONE OF ANOTHER.

The bible tells is that each member ought to have the same care one of another … 1 Cor 12:25,26. Paul not only teaches the doctrine of the Oneness in the local church, but also the practical outliving of this doctrine. When we weep with those who weep, we show our deepest concern for the needy and hurting in our assembly. A heart touched of GOD by the needs of the fellow brethren, will lead to compassionate deeds of kindness and care for the individual. When we rejoice with those who prosper, there is the doubling of joy that makes the gladness more intense.

IT REFLECTS OUR OBEDIENCE TO CHRIST

(John 13:34,35) The new commandment that the Lord Jesus gave to His disciples in the night He was betrayed demonstrated His love towards us: that the law was given to judge our sin, but the Lord Jesus was given to forgive and love us as sinners. When we have understood and experienced this love and forgiveness, knowing our undeserving condition and hopelessly condemned situation, we are so touched by the love of GOD and His grace that we will obey the Lord immediately in loving our Saviour and obeying Him. And when we love Him, we will love our brethren, according to His instruction. When we care for another , and weep and rejoice with them, it is no longer a charity, professional relationship, but it is a personal , God-led relationship that will increase our faith, deepen our trust for each other and will bind the local assembly as One.

IT WILL ATTRACT THE UNSAVED

by this shall all men know that ye are my disciples John 13:35. The watching world will see the difference in a group of men and women, and young people who love one another, and will be attracted to them.

Do our hearts yearn for our brethren? Are their joys ours? Are their sorrows ours? May the Lord see fit to give us grace to preserve the Unity in the Spirit in the bond of Peace according to His will and His word. May we live this verse in reality in our hearts and practice.