In It Together
"Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn."
During
a two-month period in 1994, as many as one million Tutsis were slain in
Rwanda by Hutu tribe members bent on killing their fellow countrymen.
In the wake of this horrific genocide, Bishop Geoffrey Rwubusisi
approached his wife about reaching out to women whose loved ones had
been slain. Mary’s reply was, “All I want to do is cry.” She too had
lost members of her family. The bishop’s response was that of a wise
leader and caring husband: “Mary, gather the women together and cry with
them.” He knew his wife’s pain had prepared her to uniquely share in
the pain of others.
The church, the family of God, is where all of life can be shared—the good and not-so-good. The New Testament words “one another” are used to capture our interdependence. “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. . . . Live in harmony with one another” (Romans 12:10, 16). The extent of our connectedness is expressed in verse 15: “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.”
While the depth and scope of our pain may pale in comparison with those affected by genocide, it’s nonetheless personal and real. And, as with the pain of Mary, because of what God has done for us it can be embraced and shared for the comfort and good of others.
The church, the family of God, is where all of life can be shared—the good and not-so-good. The New Testament words “one another” are used to capture our interdependence. “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. . . . Live in harmony with one another” (Romans 12:10, 16). The extent of our connectedness is expressed in verse 15: “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.”
While the depth and scope of our pain may pale in comparison with those affected by genocide, it’s nonetheless personal and real. And, as with the pain of Mary, because of what God has done for us it can be embraced and shared for the comfort and good of others.
Reflect & Pray
When
have you allowed someone else to share your sorrow?
How does the body of Christ—the church—help you deal with the hard times in life?
How does the body of Christ—the church—help you deal with the hard times in life?
Gracious
God, forgive me for my reluctance to enter the pain of others.
Help me
to live more fully as a connected member of Your church.
Sorrow is such a hard word, it's hard to process and it's hard to go about alone. This is why God wants us to deal with these things together. I tend to lean on other in my life when I am going through a tough time. I lean on my best friend my husband, and my amazing community. I know there are others in my life that won't share with others when they are suffering or going through a tough time. God wants us to lean on each other for everything while leaning on him. The church should come around you and comfort you in those times.
ReplyDeleteIt is hard to even wrap my mind around this tragedy. The depths of their sorrow will truly last for generations. I also agree that it is important to lean on the people around us. God has put these people in our lives and suffering in silence just makes it worse. Just this last weekend, my daughter asked what she could say to her boyfriend who had just lost a beloved aunt. I told her nothing you say will mean as much as just sitting and crying with him. :(
ReplyDeleteI have received compassion from the church in a big way when I had cancer. People stepped in and kept our family going. It warms my heart just thinking about it.
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