Be Happy with the Happy - Martin Wiles

Welcome to Meandering Monday where we meander back in time to a previously published devotion. 

Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Romans 12:15 NLT

Other’s happiness can be the occasion in which selfishness grows.

I read the text: “I just won an iPad.”

My wife was attending a continuing education conference. Several drawings for giveaways peppered the schedule—one of which was for an iPad. And not a cheap one.

When the announcer called the winning ticket, my wife barely looked—having never won anything. That’s when her neighbor said, “They are calling your number.” She had won the iPad.

Loving technology better than she, I hoped her next text would read, “I’ll give it to you. I know how much you’ve wanted one.” But it didn’t. She kept the iPad for herself…and later the grandkids. Instead of rejoicing over her win, I nestled envy in my heart. She had what I wanted.

My selfishness countered my wife’s excitement over her new toy. Why hadn’t this happened to me? I used a computer and other tech tools twice as much as she did. I couldn’t rejoice because the green-eyed monster of envy ate at my heart. She had what I wanted. And although she let me use her toy, it wasn’t mine.

If I’m to rejoice with others who rejoice, I must learn to be happy and content with what God gives me, as well as when He gives it. He knows what I can handle before pride and selfishness creep in. Someone will always have more than I do, but if I have what God desires me to have, that’s all I need.

Rather than envying what others have—whether possessions or opportunities—we need to rejoice over what God is doing in other’s lives. He gives what aligns with His plans for their life, and He does the same for us.

A part of interacting with others also includes weeping when they weep. Entering their circumstances. Attempting to feel what they’re feeling. Letting their hurts become mine. When I do this, I am loving my neighbor as I do myself.

What attitude do you need to change so you can rejoice with those who rejoice?

Prayer: God of love and light, teach us to rejoice with others and to be content with what You entrust to us.

Tweetable: What keeps you from rejoicing with others? 

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