Verse of the Day for December 26

Verse fifteen sounds simple. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Most people find the second half easier.

Weeping with someone feels noble. We bring food to a funeral, we sit by a hospital bed. But rejoicing with someone whose good news is the very thing you wanted, the engagement, the promotion, the baby, can be much harder.

Paul knew it. The next verse moves straight to the heart. Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Envy is a way of minding high things, of measuring yourself against others.

You may not be able to see far into your own future right now. Whether your turn will come, you do not know. But you can see the person in front of you, and you can be glad for them today without knowing how your own story ends.

When a friend's good news lights up your phone, before the twinge settles in, reply with joy. Mean it as best you can. Then tell God honestly about your own longing, later, in private.

Rejoicing with others is a quiet act of trust.

Your longing can be honest without making their joy smaller.