Weep with those who weep
We find this passage in Romans 12:15. There, starting from verse 14 we read:
Romans 12:14-15
«Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. REJOICE WITH THOSE WHO REJOICE AND WEEP WITH THOSE WHO WEEP»
«Weep with those who weep», says the Word of God. There will be times that people around us or we ourselves will go through difficult situations; situations that may bring affliction and weeping. What should we do then? We should stand together with one another having compassion and understanding, «weeping with those who weep». When Job’s three friends went to see him, they tore their clothes and wept with him (Job 2:11-13). When Jesus went to see Lazarus’ family wept (John 11:35). As I Corinthians 12:25-26 tells us:
I Corinthians 12:24-26
«But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. AND IF ONE MEMBER SUFFERS, ALL THE MEMBERS SUFFER WITH IT; OR IF ONE MEMBER IS HONORED, ALL THE MEMBERS REJOICE WITH IT»
There will be times that a member of the body will be honored. Let’s rejoice with it. And there will be times that a member will suffer. Let’s suffer with it. As James says concerning suffering people like, widows and orphans:
James 1:27
«Pure and undefiled religion before God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world»
Is a brother in trouble? Do not avoid him. Visit him. Suffer with him. There is a time to weep and a time to laugh says the Word of God (Ecclesiastes 3:4). This is not just for some of us but for all of us. If therefore is a time of weeping for a brother let’s not be indifferent, but let’s suffer with him. And conversely, if it is a time of laughing and joy, let’s not be zealous but let’s rejoice with him.