The ability to “weep with them that weep” (Romans 12:15) and
the desire to “bear one another's burdens, that they may be light,” and “to
mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of
comfort”, (Mosiah 18:8-9) are the marks of a good Christian. But in the New
Testament, Paul said that a good Christian should also “Rejoice with them that
do rejoice,” (Romans 12:15).
Most of us are good at the mourning with those that mourn,
but when we Live in Truth we also rejoice with those that rejoice. I heard
someone the other day criticizing a woman in her ward for “bragging and being
boastful” about something good that had happened to her. But as she related the
incident it sounded to me like the woman was simply excited about what had
happened and joyfully sharing the news. If the woman had shared bad news or
expressed negative feelings the person would have been compassionate and
caring, but because it was good news she was labeled as boasting. Even worse some of us rejoice at other people's failings and misfortune.
When we Live in Truth we live in reality and we accept the
good news as well as the bad. Instead of getting jealous or envious or being critical
we simply mourn with the person who mourns and rejoice with the person who is rejoicing. So what if it is bragging?
Let God worry about that. You don’t need to. Don’t vex yourself about it.
Simply enjoy the moment with the person. Rejoice! Be happy for them! Delight in
their excitement!
The magical thing about this is that as we rejoice with
others our own joy increases.
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1 comment:
I especially appreciate that last paragraph and sentence. Thanks for this good reminder. :)
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