Rejoice and Weep

I'm currently reading through the book of Romans and recently came across a verse many hurting hearts are familiar with: "Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep." (Romans 12:15)

As grievers, it is understandably frustrating when our grief is held at an arms length. I get it. I spend a lot of time in this space talking about biblical examples of grief and our invitation to grieve as believers in Jesus, as well as the call for us to grieve with one another. I talk a lot about how our culture avoids sadness and discomfort, and how this has creeped into the church. I often encourage hurting hearts to remember that Christ knows their grief and does not shame them for it.

In seasons of difficulty, it is easy for me to read this scripture and to say, "See?! Step into our pain with us. Sit with us in it. It's biblical!" And while this is true and good, I recognize how easy it is to gloss over the first part of this passage--the admonition to rejoice with those who rejoice. It is hard to rejoice for others when your heart is broken, but sisters, we are called to do just that. We are called to rejoice and to weep. To be the body to one another. To "share with the saints in their needs" as verse 13 says. We are family--and we bear one another's burdens and celebrate one another's joys together.

Friends, I understand that this is difficult to do. I understand that it is more attractive to those around us to rejoice than to weep and that you may look overlooked when all you see is rejoicing around you. But we are invited to join into this too. I'm not saying you need to "fake it". I'm not saying you need to say yes to every baby shower invitation or put yourself in triggering situations over and over. But I do think that our hearts are softened when we pray for one another and thank God for both the good gifts He gives and the ways He draws near and comforts us in suffering.