Key Scripture:

“A time to weep, and a time to laugh;” Ecclesiastes 3:4a

Devotional:

We’re going to take a journey today.

Let me ask you to think back to the last time you had a good belly laugh. Is there a smile on your face as you remember what it was that was so funny, or how enjoyable that moment was for you? Now close your eyes and look around the room in that memory. Were there other people there? Was it a special occasion? Did a dream come true? Take a moment to let the joy of that moment wash over you again.

Now I want us to take a bit of a turn on this journey… 

When was the last time you cried? I’m not talking about tears from laughing, instead, I’m asking you to remember the last time you cried because you were truly sad. Try to remember all the circumstances around that moment that caused those tears to fall.

Now that we’ve journeyed through the roller coaster of emotions to help us remember what those things feel like, I want to remind you that the people in your life have felt those same things just as deeply. We all are made differently, and we respond in different ways to the moments of our lives. We all have emotions, and they affect each one of us. Let me ask – when others feel joy or sadness, how do you support them?

Romans 12:15 reminds us to “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” There are people all around you who need your compassion and empathy in their lives. Who are you rejoicing with right now? Did a coworker get the promotion you wanted? Throw them an awesome party! Did your friend recently get engaged? Relish in the moment with them.

Who are you weeping with? Has your brother experienced the death of a lifelong dream? Sit with him in that no-words-needed, just here-for-you kind of way. Is your grandma grieving the loss of your grandpa? Give her a call just to check in and listen for a while. 

Again, there are people all around you who need your compassion and empathy in their lives. Whether it’s someone close to you, or the clerk you come across at the grocery store. Let your whole life be filled with the grace and mercy of God for the people around you. It simply requires taking your focus off yourself and putting it on others. That kind of life stands out, even shines.

Deepening questions:

• Who in your life is in a season of laughing? Who is weeping?
• How can you take the time to laugh with those who laugh and to weep with those who weep?

Further reading: 

Romans 12:9-18