Romans 12:15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.
Once again the advice in this section of Romans seems fairly simple and straightforward but not necessarily easy. Rejoicing sometimes comes with a tinge of jealousy. Mourning often comes with the expectation of an expiration date. Harmony happens as long as things are going my way. Pride and conceit end up creeping in.
Romans 12:16a Live in harmony with one another.
I’m not sure we are meant to master these things on earth. I’m not sure–as fallible human beings–that we are capable of mastering them. We need Jesus. Desperately. And our fallibility is made to keep us coming back to the foot of His cross again and again and again. We cannot do this life without His help. We weren’t created that way.
Romans 12:16b Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.
Precious Savior, Thank You that I cannot do this life alone, that I need You–every hour of every day, that I can get a little better each day if I try and if I stay focused on You, that You love me fiercely, even in my failures. Help me to draw closer to You each day, to become more like You each day. Help me to keep trying. Amen.
Romans 12:16c Do not be conceited.
Have a blessed day.