July 16, 2007

  • The Church And I: Rejoicing with those who Rejoice

    You've all heard of a fair-weather friend; they are there only when times are good. But what about a FOUL-weather friend? See, I have a theory that some of us are better at crying with people who are crying (and have a harder life than we do) rather than celebrating the good things that happen to other people. I was once at a church where they got permission to build, and I remember vividly the pastor saying "Church, we need to learn how to celebrate!" That moment really affected my life; I realized that yes, we do need to learn to celebrate in the church and in all areas where God blesses us.

    But what about when others get blessed? When someone gets a job promotion, does it go to the Praise list? Do we celebrate with them? Or do we leave it off the list for fear of offending those who are searching for a job? Church isn't just for the broken and battered; one day none of us will be broken and battered anymore (thank God!) and we need to know how to have church then too. So, tell me; do you have a problem not being envious or being happy enough when something good happens to a fellow Christian? Even if they don't deserve what just happened to them? Or you've had hard times lately? Just something to think about.

Comments (9)

  • grimace, yes, a very good command to be reminded of, especially when the last two questions apply...

  • Oh man.  That's a tough one, regardless of what religion you are.  It's easy to celebrate someone's success when you, too, are successful, but when you're working your tail off and someone "less worthy" gets something you "deserve," it's hard to be happy for that person.  I suppose it's the competitive spirit within each of us.  We all think we deserve the best and if there's enough to go around, then other people can profit.  It's hard to understand that it may not be our time or that we may need to learn patience or how to live minimally.

    Good post.  Very thought provoking.

  • Jealousy ... the green eyed monster. Yes, I've seen it. Often people crave the attention and when something good happens to another, it takes them out of the spotlight. Their reaction is to be jealous of the good that happened. This is very sad.

  • I find when it's something that I really desire, and the person receiving the blessing is just sort of mildly interested in it that I have a hard time rejoicing with them. For instance, I want to go to China full-time as a missionary at some point, when God finally gives the go ahead. But I have friends that want to go on a missions trip and they basically spin the globe and point and go to china on a missions trip because it would be cool to see the Great Wall, if they're gonna go bother to serve anyway.

    Now, it's ludicrious for me to not support them, because of my deep love for the Chinese people. Naturally, I want as many people to go as possibly can to reach as many as possible...yet I find myself asking God why he would send someone who is so casually interested, and still hold me back when I'm ready to commit completely.

    That was a rough reminder...but thank you.

  • One of my favorite hymns puts it this way:
    "I will weep when you are weeping,
    When you laugh I'll laugh with you.
    I will share your joys and sorrows
    'Till we've seen this journey through."

    I really love community. A whole lot.

  • RYC: haha.... You should do it for the sake of science! Try them out and see which ones are most effective... :)

    Thanks for this post.  Sometimes it's hard to be happy for someone who gets the thing that you want.  But the ol' "mourn with those who mourn and rejoice with those who rejoice" line comes up.  *sigh*  Hope things are going well for you!

  • Ohhhhh goodness. I honestly find it really difficult, especially when it comes to relational issues. I have several friends who have become engaged in the past couple months and it's hard for me to be happy for them (isn't that horrible?)... I think because marriage is something that I want so badly but am currently nowhere near attaining. If I were married, or engaged, or even in a serious relationship right now I would be more inclined to celebrate with them and not think to myself "why them? Why not ME?"

  • Occasionally I find myself a slight bit annoyed because someone might have an easier time than me at something, but on the whole, I really do rejoice with those who have something to rejoice about. (I think it is because I am generally am empathetic person.) It makes me happy to have the people around me happy. It's contagious, and I have a lowered attitude immune system. Unfortunately, that also means I feel anger, pain, sadness, general suffering more than I should too. Crazy.
    I really like when people let me know the good things that are going in their life. And when someone answers "Great!" (honestly) after the question "How are you?" ... Ahhh. Food for my soul.

  • I've been thinking about this a bit since you brought it up in conversation the other night. Usually I'm pretty good at rejoicing with others, but I realized that recently I've been less than rejoicing when God gives others direction for their lives. I mean, I've been happy for them, but it is colored with the sadness that comes from the continued lack of discernment and direction he has given me for my life. And now that I notice it, it is so silly. God is blessing these people in amazing ways and I love them so I should be able to completely rejoice with them, but instead I lose those moments of pure joy and connection with those friends because of my half bitter heart. Thanks for the reminder.

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