Monday, February 26, 2018

February 26 Thought for the day...dying to yourself in a different way


Paul said that he became all things to all people that he might win some. He wasn't a hypocrite he was being sensitive to his surroundings, understanding the people and the situation and knowing how to best present Jesus in that atmosphere. He challenges us to do this in very practical times as well.

"Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep." Romans 12:15

Have you ever shared some great news with someone and their response is either cold or stone-faced? Sure you have, all of us have had it happen at one time or another. Paul is saying, put your own emotions, feeling aside, put down your flesh for a moment. When someone is rejoicing, Paul is, by the Holy Spirit, commanding us to rejoice with them. We are one body and when one is celebrating it is cause for all of us to celebrate. We are to pause our own troubles, struggles, thoughts, and difficulties and take time to rejoice with them. This serves two purposes. First, we take time to celebrate with our brother or sister in the Lord over their good news valuing what is going on in their lives as something as important. Second, it very well may be the thing that helps to change our mood into remembering to celebrate the goodness of God, always!

Paul then also tells us to weep with those who weep. This is for the same reasons as the rejoicing. This too is a command from God, not simply a suggestion. Our hearts are to be broken with the things that break God's heart. If one of His children has a broken heart, it breaks His heart. They may need a shoulder to cry on, just to know someone cares. The Holy Spirit comes to us in times of heartbreak and stays with us comforting and loving until it is time to get back up. At that time, He encourages and helps us to get up. We need to reflect this in our love for people, weeping with those who weep.

Our flesh demands us to do what it wants, however, if we are a reflection of the Holy Spirit we have to die to our flesh and be Jesus to our brothers and sisters in Christ. It is not easy. Don't you enjoy when people rejoice with you, and if you have gone through great sorrow it is healing and comforting to have someone who will be with you, feeling your heart in the situation? Just be Jesus

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