Paul’s
counsel in this verse can be summed up in two words: Show empathy. We
need to learn to understand and even share another person’s
feelings. If we are aglow with the spirit, our feelings of shared joy
or compassion will be evident. When 70 disciples of Christ returned
joyfully from a preaching campaign and related the good results of
their work, Jesus himself “became overjoyed in the holy spirit.”
(Luke 10:17-21) He shared their joy. On the other hand, Jesus ‘wept
with people who were weeping’ when his friend Lazarus died. (John
11:32-35) We want to follow Jesus’ example of showing empathy. When
a fellow Christian rejoices, we wish to share his or her joy.
Similarly, we should be sensitive to the pains and heartaches of our
brothers and sisters. Often, we can bring much relief to fellow
believers who are suffering emotional pain if we take the time to
listen to them with a truly sympathetic ear. w09
10/15 1:15, 16
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