EXHORTATIONS (PART 9)

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In Christ, Mark

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The scriptures. May God bless the reading of His holy word.

“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.”

Romans 12:15

This ends today’s reading from God's holy word. Thanks be to God.

Three more. Three more exhortations left to cover as we close out the 12th chapter of Paul’s letter to the Romans.

It’s been a great journey so far as we have taken a micro-look at the expectations the Lord has for us as we live this thing called life serving Him and one another.

Speaking of life, it really does come with times of ups and downs, right?

Live long enough and you’ll have more than your fair share of joys but also times of sorrow.

In just the past week, I have celebrated in spirit with several friends who have welcomed new babies into the world, expanding their family and setting course for a lifetime of wonderful memories to make and share.

I have also supported the same number of people who had experienced the death of a loved one, deaths that left gaping holes in their lives.

Highs and lows. We all will go through them so it should come of little surprise that the scriptures address the matters, instructing Christian believers as to how they are to support others they work or live around. Look again at the 15th chapter of Romans 12:

“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.”

Note here that our responses should mimic the feelings of what others are going through.

If they are feeling joy and euphoria, then we too should feel that way. Rejoicing is amplified when more than one person is doing the rejoicing. This is true when a family comes together to celebrate an event. It’s also true when a church family comes together to worship on Sundays.

So when the time calls for jubilation, jump in and be merry with others. It’s not only healthy but behavior that is in accord with the scriptures.

But what are we to do when the mood is not as festive, when a person is anguished and broken-hearted over the death of a loved one?

Go back to our verse and the second half of this exhortation from the Apostle Paul.

“Mourn with those who mourn.”

Maybe the worst thing a person can go through is to feel they are alone in the world. A death of a dear one can make loneliness a reality. In times as these, support is an absolute necessity.

Where does that support come from?

First of all, it comes from the Lord. Consider these words from David from the 34th Psalm:

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” v. 18

This truth provides the foundation for these words from Jesus as He began His Sermon on the Mount with a series of promises which make up what are known as the Beatitudes:

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Matthew 5:4

Putting these verses together, we know the Lord draws near to those who are grieving, blessing and comforting the brokenhearted and those with crushed spirits. We also know that the Lord uses His people to carry out His purposes and this includes acting as His emissaries to those who mourn. God’s word as spoken through Paul doesn’t command us to distance ourselves from those who have suffered loss. Rather, we are to wade down into the miry depths of despair with them to share in their anguish and offer them caring and love when they need it most.

God created us to share the ebbs and flows of this life together. He made us to enjoy fellowship and community. So have a ball with others when there is reason to celebrate and rejoice but also be ever ready to support and console someone when they find themselves in need.

This is the encouragement we find in our verse for today.

Amen.

In Christ,

Mark

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