You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages
Genuine relationships share at a deep level. They are not a forum for people to get as much out of each other as they can - that sort of behaviour breeds distrust and separation. City life is full of superficiality: Paul's plea to the believers in Rome was counter-cultural. Within the church especially, it matters that people share together. Those who rejoice need others to rejoice with them about the Lord's goodness. And those who grieve need compassionate empathetic souls to share their grief.
However it is difficult to lay aside our own ideas and emotions in order to share the gladness or sadness of others. It is a challenge to our own plans, which may need to be rearranged to spend whatever time is necessary. It is a challenge to our pride; there is usually nothing we can contribute, except to be alongside, understand and be a real brother or sister. The only thing we can do is to encourage our friend to share it with our Heavenly Father as well.
'Living in harmony' really means 'having the same attitude of heart'. Philippians 2:2-3 says, "...then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves." When the joy of others attracts only a reluctant response, and the sadness of others encourages us to give advice - it shows that our sinful nature is desperate to make ourselves big at the expense of others. It was not like that with Jesus: 2 Corinthians 8:9 says, "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich." Let us decide to have Christ-like responses today.
Prayer: Dear Lord. Thank You for the example of Jesus who was totally self-giving in His relationships with those who needed Him. I am sorry that selfish motives often creep into my relationships, even with my brothers and sisters in Christ. Please help me to see how much You have done in coming alongside me, so that I can humbly come alongside others. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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