Sometimes it can be easy to get wrapped up in my own little world. I only see my problems; I only find joy in what is going on in my own life. This past week God reminded me of the verse that talks about rejoicing with those who rejoice and weeping with those who weep. He reminded me that I’m not an island. When I look past my own life, I can experience His work in the lives of others.

So how do I rejoice? I rejoice when a friend who has been laid off for a couple months finds a job. I rejoice when another friend finals in a writing contes. I am giddy for a friend who is taking her kids on a surprise trip to Disney World this summer (how fun is that!).

When I open myself up to enjoy the blessings God has brought into the lives of others, I find myself filled with pure and unselfish joy. My heart is light and free of envy or jealousy.

But not everyone is receiving sunshine and flowers right now. And so I also weep when those around me are going through difficulties or disappointments. I feel for a friend who did not place in the same writing contest. I weep with another friend as she shares her story of losing her little one. I sympathize with the mom who sometimes secretly wishes she were anywhere but home alone with 3 screaming kids.

When I weep with those who weep, my heart connects with theirs and I lifted them up to God. Their pain brings me to my knees. I believe that by weeping with them, I am helping them carry their burdens.

Rejoicing and weeping with others takes our eyes off our own problems. We see hope. We enjoy God’s blessings through others. We have an opportunity to comfort those hurting with the same comfort God has given us.

So this week, let us rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep (Romans 12:15).