Rev. Richard Smith
Romans 12:15 Rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn..
All of us need cheerleaders in our lives; those people who rejoice with us and celebrate the steps of growth, development, and achievement which we accomplish. These people – whether friends or family or spiritual brothers / sisters – are in the grandstands of our life providing the encouragement we need to take the next steps on our life journey. You can name right now, as I can, people without whom your life path could never be as positive as it has turned out. Regularly calling these persons to mind is a healthy spiritual practice and letting them know their role in your life is an important life discipline. When was the last time you or I personally thanked the primary cheerleaders in our lives?
Correspondingly, of course, we need people who mourn with us when life is not so good and when the inevitable hardship comes our way. These empathizers may cry with us, hold our hands, sit quietly with us, and, most importantly, hang with us in the long haul of life’s troubling times. Just as we can name and give thanks for the cheerleaders through whom God blesses us, so we should name and give thanks for those who have stood and still stand in our corner as we face hurt and harm. There’s not a one of us who can weather the storms of life without the warmth, caring, and counsel of these people. Again, we need to name them in our heart, give thanks for them, and even acknowledge to them our heartfelt gratitude. They don’t expect it, but it’s important for us to extend it.
These thoughts naturally lead to an essential calling for the followers of Jesus – to be relentless encouragers in the lives of those who need encouragement and being faithful empathizers for those facing heartbreak and heartache.
My guess is each of us knows someone who needs some encouragement; and, by the way, this could be a particular group of people, not just an individual. There are, without question, a plethora of community groups seeking to enhance people’s lives who need our acts of encouragement…kind words, volunteer time, financial gifts, etc. Where we can personally be God’s vessel of encouragement, wonderful; where we are better suited to reach out to a group, good!
And, of course, we each almost certainly know someone who needs our special caring as they face some hardship. Sometimes we offer our prayers while failing to take additional steps to extend needed empathy…regular notes; offers of specific assistance; routine phone calls, etc. This empathetic outreach must be sensitive to what most helps the person. Every person is different, every person struggles in his-her way, every person grieves uniquely, every person has a comfort level per particular overtures of help. A part of our empathy is truly seeking to discern what best helps the person on his-terms.
So, may each of us consciously consider after reading this…Who right now needs my encouragement?…Who right not needs my sincere empathy? May God help each of us know who these persons are and may we seek His wisdom per the needed and rightful steps!!
