You may be wondering, “But what if I don’t know what to say?” That’s a valid concern, but notice what the verse says: It says to rejoice. It says to weep. It doesn’t say give a dissertation. Just join them. You may not know what to say, but you can weep. You may not have the encouraging words today, but you can be glad.

The Christian life is full of ups and downs. There are moments of rejoicing and moments of weeping. Life itself is full of this. As I look around at my brothers and sisters, I’m aware that there are these moments happening all around me. There’s an engagement here and a pregnancy announcement there. There are kids getting saved and families gathered to celebrate. And in the same moment I look around and see miscarriage and infertility, unwanted singleness and loneliness. Sickness and sorrow strike families and there is mourning. What am I supposed to do? Well, I’m told to rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep.

Be Intentional

There is no cookie cutter way to deal with people. I need to be aware that not all are celebrating and not all are sorrowful. If I’m gonna rejoice and weep appropriately I’ve got to pay attention. I’ve got to move past the surface level. That means I’ve got to be willing to ask questions and really listen. That also means I’ve got to be around. If I’m just gonna pop in and see people for a minute on Sunday, then it’s gonna be really difficult to discern the joys and sorrows of the people around me. Consistency and intentionality will help me to really know the ones I should rejoice and weep with.

Enter In

Did you notice what wasn’t said? It doesn’t say, “Rebuke those that weep. Don’t they know God is sovereign?” And it doesn’t say, “Tell those who rejoice that Jesus says that we will have trouble in the world.”

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