Romans 12:15

Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. (NASB)

Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. (NLT)

If some have cause to celebrate, join in the celebration. And if others are weeping, join in that as well. (VOICE)

It’s a simple verse, right? Share in the joy. Share in the sadness. What does it mean to rejoice? What does it mean to weep? Are we truly connecting with one another properly? Let’s talk about that.

Rejoice is the Greek verb chairó (khah’-ee-ro). This was a term used in the New Testament to express joy and gladness. It conveys a sense of inner happiness or contentment. It’s a major term used in the New Testament, used to denote joy and rejoicing – a key foundational piece in the Christian experience of joy.

Weep is the Greek Verb klaió (klah’-yo). This describes the act of weeping or mourning, often in response to grief, loss, or repentance. It conveys a deep emotional response – how we understand sorrow and compassion. It describes a literal and metaphorical weeping.

When we connect with others to celebrate, we want to lift up an inner happiness they have. It’s something that may not truly make sense to us, but that is irrelevant in that moment. It doesn’t have to make sense to us. All we have to connect with the person and their celebration and join them in it. We can ask questions for understanding, but we don’t judge. We meet them where they are and connect with them. We learn why it brought them happiness, what this means for them going forward, and how we can support them along their journey.

This also applies to when someone is struggling and depressed. We want to meet them where they are and connect in their sadness. We don’t have to share stories that we need to share to connect. We can just sit in their silence. Sometimes having an extra body with us in a moment to hardship speaks louder than any words. Sometimes we just let them have the moment to share. We don’t respond. We don’t solve problems. We listen. We intentionally listen and work towards understanding and again, seeing how we can support them in this hard time.

Overall, in this situation, we must set aside ourselves and tune into God’s creation and how God’s creation is.

Next slice of manna: Manna for the Mind #219