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Romans 12:15
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Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Rejoice with them that do rejoice - Take a lively interest in the prosperity of others. Let it be a matter of rejoicing to you when you hear of the health, prosperity, or happiness of any brother. Weep with them that weep - Labour after a compassionate or sympathizing mind. Let your heart feel for the distressed; enter into their sorrows, and bear a part of their burdens. It is a fact, attested by universal experience, that by sympathy a man may receive into his own affectionate feelings a measure of the distress of his friend, and that his friend does find himself relieved in the same proportion as the other has entered into his griefs. "But how do you account for this?" I do not account for it at all, it depends upon certain laws of nature, the principles of which have not been as yet duly developed.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Rejoice with them that rejoice; and weep--the "and" should probably be omitted. with them that weep--What a beautiful spirit of sympathy with the joys and sorrows of others is here inculcated! But it is only one charming phase of the unselfish character which belongs to all living Christianity. What a world will ours be when this shall become its reigning spirit! Of the two, however, it is more easy to sympathize with another's sorrows than his joys, because in the one case he needs us; in the other not. But just for this reason the latter is the more disinterested, and so the nobler.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Rejoice with them that do rejoice,.... Not in anything sinful and criminal, in a thing of nought, in men's own boastings; all such rejoicing is evil, and not to be joined in; but in things good and laudable, as in outward prosperity; and to rejoice with such, is a very difficult task; for unless persons have a near concern in the prosperity of others, they are very apt to envy it, or to murmur and repine, that they are not in equal, or superior circumstances; and also in things spiritual, with such who rejoice in the discoveries of God's love to their souls, in the views of interest in Christ, and of peace, pardon, and righteousness by him, and in hope of the glory of God; when such souls make their boast in the Lord, the humble hearing thereof will be glad, and will, as they ought to do, join with them in magnifying the Lord, and will exalt his name together: and weep with them that weep; so Christ, as he rejoiced with them that rejoiced, at the marriage in Cana of Galilee, wept with them that wept, with Mary at the grave of Lazarus. The design of these rules is to excite and encourage sympathy in the saints with each other, in all conditions inward and outward, and with respect to things temporal and spiritual; in imitation of Christ their great high priest, who cannot but be touched with the infirmities of his people; and as founded upon, and arising from, their relation to each other, as members of the same body; see Co1 12:26;
Romans 12:15
Forgiveness
14Bless those who persecute you. Bless and do not curse.15Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep.16Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but enjoy the company of the lowly. Do not be conceited.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Reading From the Beatitudes
By D.L. Moody31K00:57The Blessing of MeeknessComfort in MourningPSA 34:18PSA 147:3ISA 61:1MAT 5:4MAT 11:28ROM 12:152CO 1:3JAS 4:101PE 5:6D.L. Moody emphasizes the profound blessings found in the Beatitudes, particularly focusing on the comfort promised to those who mourn and the meek. He explains that mourning signifies a deep awareness of sin and the need for God's grace, while meekness reflects a humble spirit that trusts in God's plan. Moody encourages believers to embrace these qualities, assuring them that God provides comfort and strength in their struggles. The sermon highlights the paradox of finding strength in weakness and the hope that comes from reliance on God.
(Israel) the Ministry of Refreshing Others
By David Wilkerson10K45:13IsraelPSA 46:1ROM 12:152CO 2:122CO 7:6GAL 6:21TH 5:11HEB 10:24In this sermon, the pastor shares about the burdens and challenges faced by individuals and families. He mentions a man who lost his wife in a car accident and had sons who ended up in jail for selling drugs. The pastor emphasizes the importance of reaching out and supporting those in need, both within and outside the church. He encourages the congregation to trust in God's control and to worship Him with gratitude, reminding them that God is working in ways they may not see. The sermon concludes with a story of a grieving father who was comforted by the ministry's support and prayers.
Justification by Works
By J. Vernon McGee5.5K44:45JHN 13:35ROM 12:15ROM 13:8ROM 14:191CO 15:58GAL 6:10PHP 4:4COL 3:9JAS 2:15In this sermon, Dr. J. Vernon McGee explores the topic of faith and works in the book of James. He begins by highlighting James' unique method of presenting an illustration before explaining the truth. McGee then discusses an illustration given by James, where he emphasizes the importance of providing for the physical needs of others rather than just offering empty words. He connects this illustration to Paul's teachings in Romans, showing that both James and Paul emphasize the importance of genuine faith being accompanied by good works. McGee concludes by emphasizing that true faith is verified by the presence of good works, such as regular church attendance, financial giving, and caring for the poor and needy.
Human Rights
By Brother Andrew4.2K1:16:03Human RightsMAT 28:19ACT 4:12ROM 12:151CO 12:261TH 5:172TI 3:121PE 3:15In this sermon, the speaker shares a powerful encounter with a street child who wandered into their church service. The child, barefoot and filthy, mistakenly believed he was the conductor of the choir. Despite his appearance, the child showed kindness by cleaning wilted flowers and offering them to the speaker. This encounter deeply impacted the speaker, highlighting the plight of street children and the suffering church in restricted countries. The speaker emphasizes the need for action and returning to the principles of God's word to make a difference in these situations.
Why Do the Righteous Suffer
By David Wilkerson3.8K59:25PSA 34:18ISA 53:4MAT 6:33ROM 12:152CO 1:3JAS 5:131PE 5:7In this sermon, the speaker begins by sharing a personal story about a doctor friend who gained sympathy for those in pain after experiencing kidney stones himself. The speaker then mentions his wife, who receives letters from people all over the United States who are suffering from cancer. Despite her own health struggles, she tries to personally respond to as many letters as possible, showing her deep sympathy for those going through similar experiences. The overall message of the sermon is that God has a way of teaching us empathy and compassion through our own trials and challenges.
(Basics) 38. Jesus Valued People More Than Things
By Zac Poonen2.7K13:11ZEP 3:17MAT 11:28MAT 20:28MRK 12:37LUK 19:10ROM 12:151CO 13:2In this sermon, the preacher highlights the upside-down values of the world, where money is often prioritized over God and people. He emphasizes that Christians should believe and live as if God is more important than money. The preacher laments that very few Christians truly prioritize God over money in their lives. He also points out the tragic reality that people are often loved less than material possessions, which goes against God's teachings. The preacher urges Christians to follow Jesus' example of valuing God and people above material things.
Live Expressed
By Art Katz2.5K22:34Love Of God1SA 15:3NEH 8:10MAT 6:33MAT 16:23ROM 12:15In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of understanding and demonstrating true love, as exemplified by Jesus in his interaction with the rich young ruler in Mark chapter 10. The speaker emphasizes that personal sympathy and prejudice can hinder our relationship with God and others. Jesus' love for the young man is not heartless, but rather a love that requires tough confrontation for the young man's own benefit. The speaker warns against operating out of human sentiment rather than divine love, as it can lead to immaturity, hinder spiritual growth, and even breed resentment towards others.
How God Prepares Us (Part 9)
By Jim Cymbala1.8K41:06PreparationACT 4:32ACT 9:26ACT 11:23ACT 11:29ACT 14:22ROM 12:15In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of taking action and making sacrifices for others. He uses the example of Barnabas, who saw a need in the early church and sold his own property to help the poor. The preacher highlights the unity and selflessness of the early church, where believers shared everything they had and had one heart and mind. He encourages the listeners to believe in and support others, as they may encounter someone in need of someone to believe in them.
How Do I Humble Myself? (Part 2)
By Denny Kenaston1.7K1:06:01Humble YourselfMAT 6:33MAT 9:14MAT 23:11MAT 25:40JHN 17:17ROM 12:15JAS 4:10In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that greatness does not require being the best, smartest, or most spiritual. Instead, greatness comes from becoming a servant of others. The speaker encourages listeners to humble themselves by submitting to their authorities, such as parents, bosses, and elders. Additionally, the speaker suggests that humility can be cultivated by grieving over the needs of those around us, including the church and the world. The sermon concludes with a powerful example of a man who used his television time to mourn and intercede for the brokenness he witnessed in the world.
The Snare of the Deliver - Slovakia Conference 2003 (Slovakian/english)
By Gary Wilkerson1.6K1:10:17ConferenceJDG 8:22PSA 127:3MAT 6:33ROM 12:152CO 1:3EPH 6:41TI 3:4In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal story about coming home from a long day of work and feeling weary. He seeks relaxation by reading the sports section of the newspaper, but is interrupted by his five-year-old daughter who wants his attention. He dismisses her and continues reading, realizing later that he had been neglecting his own family while focusing on ministering to others. The preacher uses this story to highlight the importance of prioritizing our relationships with our loved ones and not getting caught in the snare of busyness and neglecting those closest to us.
Lo I Am With You
By Mert Wolcott1.1K42:33Great CommissionROM 12:4ROM 12:15EPH 5:23EPH 5:30In this sermon, the speaker discusses their recent trip to Africa and the challenges they faced due to the shutdown of airlines. Despite the difficulties, they were able to continue with their plans and visit Africa. The speaker emphasizes the importance of unity within the body of Christ, highlighting that although there are many members, each has a unique function. They also mention the needs of the people in Africa, particularly those affected by tribal wars, and commend the Christians who have shown forgiveness and generosity towards others. The speaker concludes by discussing the poor infrastructure in the country, specifically the terrible road conditions, which have made travel difficult and time-consuming.
Nehemiah 6 - Part 2
By Joshua Daniel1.0K09:10NEH 1:4PSA 126:5ISA 53:3MAT 5:4ROM 12:15EPH 6:121PE 5:7This sermon emphasizes the importance of recognizing hindrances that come in the way of fulfilling God's promises, drawing parallels to Nehemiah's response to the fallen walls of Jerusalem. It challenges believers to weep for the brokenness of the world and to engage in heartfelt intercessory prayer rather than being consumed by entertainment-focused Christianity. The speaker highlights the need for genuine sorrow and burden for the lost, contrasting it with superficial emotional experiences in worship.
Christian Missions to the Communist World International - Pt2
By Richard Wurmbrand1.0K1:14:50MissionsMAT 12:36MAT 17:2ROM 12:15EPH 4:321TH 5:171PE 3:8REV 22:17In this sermon, the speaker shares his experience of being imprisoned for 14 years in communist jails. He talks about the physical hardships they endured, such as heavy chains and beatings. Despite the persecution, the speaker emphasizes the importance of revolutionizing the world with love instead of hatred. He shares a powerful story of a pastor who faced the choice of denying his faith or facing torture, highlighting the unity and interconnectedness of believers as one body in Jesus Christ. The sermon also acknowledges the generosity of the congregation in supporting the families of Christian martyrs.
North Africa Report
By George Verwer9371:13:58Mission FieldMAT 28:19ROM 12:15PHP 2:3In this sermon transcript, the speaker discusses their recent trip to various countries, including Egypt and Spain, to spread the word of God. They mention filming sections for a super eight film about the Muslim world and the challenges faced in spiritual warfare. The speaker also highlights the importance of unity and the need for the Holy Spirit's guidance. They mention specific individuals and churches they visited, emphasizing the importance of reaching every person with the gospel. The sermon concludes with a call to action for believers to deny themselves, take up their cross, and advance God's kingdom.
Somebody Prayed - Part 2 (Classic Audio Sermon Compilations)
By Compilations83109:06PSA 126:6PRO 11:30MAT 5:4LUK 19:41JHN 11:35ROM 12:152CO 2:4GAL 6:9JAS 5:16This sermon emphasizes the importance of genuine tears and heartfelt prayers in seeking God's intervention and salvation for others. It calls for a return to a deep, emotional connection with God, highlighting the power of weeping over lost souls and the need for a broken heart that truly cares for the salvation of others. The speaker shares personal experiences and examples of individuals deeply moved by the love of God, urging listeners to be sincere in their faith and to weep for those who are lost.
Surrender
By Mary Peckham81047:36SurrenderROM 11:33ROM 12:1ROM 12:10ROM 12:15ROM 12:20In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the boldness of the appeal to present one's body to God. He urges individuals to come to God in light of His great mercy and make a personal presentation of everything they have been bought with. The preacher highlights the importance of sincerity in worship, cautioning against singing empty words without true meaning. He also emphasizes the significance of maintaining right relationships with others, as seen in the commandments. The basis of the appeal is rooted in the depth and length of God's love demonstrated through Christ's sacrifice on the cross. The preacher shares a powerful testimony of a missionary who was deeply moved by a choir singing "I surrender all" while he was struggling on the mission field. The appeal to present one's body as a living sacrifice to God is both bold and reasonable, calling for a complete surrender of body, soul, and spirit.
Studies in Song of Solomon 02 His Eyes as of Doves
By Svend Christensen76347:43MAT 22:11LUK 5:1LUK 14:15LUK 19:41LUK 21:1JHN 11:35ROM 12:15In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Luke Chapter 5, where Jesus is surrounded by people who are eager to hear the word of God. He notices two empty fishing boats and decides to use one of them as a platform to teach the people. After finishing his teaching, Jesus tells Peter to go out into the sea and cast his nets. Peter initially doubts the success of this, but obeys and is rewarded with a miraculous catch of fish. The preacher emphasizes the lesson of not limiting God's power and the importance of having compassion for others, as Jesus wept over the city of Jerusalem. The sermon concludes with the reminder that God's eyes are always watching us.
Jesus Christ Is Lord - Lord of the Church (2)
By J. Glyn Owen70339:44LordMAT 22:37JHN 14:15JHN 15:1ROM 12:151CO 12:27EPH 5:23COL 3:17In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing Jesus Christ as the head of the church. He uses the analogy of a vine and its branches to illustrate how the life and health of the church come from Christ. The speaker urges the congregation to align their thoughts, perspectives, and actions with Christ's, seeing the world through his eyes and listening to the joys and sorrows of others as he does. The sermon concludes with a call to worship and surrender to Christ as the congregation prepares to partake in communion.
Attitudes to Other Fields & People
By George Verwer58238:31MissionsMAT 6:33MAT 7:1ROM 12:151CO 12:26EPH 4:32PHP 2:4JAS 5:16In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of showing mercy to others, just as God is merciful with us. They also encourage having a genuine interest in other people's work and problems, in order to develop a balanced view and avoid generalizations and dogmatism. The speaker urges for involved intercession, highlighting the biblical truth that when one member suffers, we all suffer, and when one rejoices, we all rejoice. They also mention a book called "Lessons from a Sheepdog" that teaches about being under the wrong management and how Jesus comes into our lives with love and tenderness, seeing beyond our sins. The sermon concludes with a plea for unity and victory across all fields of work, and a call to prayerfully consider the message and take appropriate actions.
Love
By Noel Scott56147:05MAT 6:33ROM 12:151CO 13:111TH 5:11In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of love and its characteristics. Love is described as being patient and not seeking its own way. The preacher shares personal anecdotes to illustrate the power of love in difficult situations. The sermon concludes with a reminder to prioritize faith, hope, and love, with love being the greatest of all.
Qualifications of the Followers of Jesus - Part 1
By Loran Helm34245:27JesusPSA 23:1PRO 3:5MAT 6:33ROM 12:152CO 1:3TIT 1:4JAS 5:14In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing our own weaknesses and limitations. He shares a personal story of someone who struggled with prayer and learned a valuable lesson from it. The preacher then addresses the congregation, warning them not to think too highly of themselves and their abilities. He encourages humility and reliance on God. The sermon concludes with a reference to the book of Titus and the importance of surrendering to God's will and seeking His guidance in decision-making.
Where Are the Weepers? - Rev. 5:4
By Shane Idleman1942:28RevivalWeeping2CH 7:14PSA 30:5JER 9:1JOL 2:17MAT 5:4LUK 19:41ROM 12:15GAL 5:221PE 5:6REV 5:4Shane Idleman emphasizes the urgent need for weeping and brokenness in the church and society, drawing from Revelation 5:4 where John weeps because no one is found worthy to open the scroll. He reflects on the importance of compassion and humility, arguing that a lack of weeping reveals a lack of the Spirit's operation in our lives. Idleman calls for a revival that begins with deep sorrow for sin and a desperate plea for God's mercy, highlighting that true worship arises from a heart that has wept. He challenges the complacency of the church and urges believers to intercede for the nation, reminding them that revival is birthed in brokenness. Ultimately, he reassures that while weeping may endure for a night, joy comes in the morning through Christ, who is worthy.
What Moves Jesus to Action
By David Wilkerson0CompassionAction in FaithPSA 86:15LAM 3:22MAT 9:36MAT 14:14MAT 15:32MRK 1:41LUK 7:13JHN 11:35ROM 12:15COL 3:12David Wilkerson emphasizes that true compassion, as exemplified by Jesus, goes beyond mere feelings of pity or sympathy; it compels us to take action to alleviate the suffering of others. He highlights that Jesus was consistently moved with compassion, responding to the needs of the multitudes by healing the sick rather than simply offering words of comfort. Wilkerson warns against becoming desensitized to the pain around us and encourages believers to embody the same compassion that Jesus demonstrated. The sermon calls for a deeper understanding of compassion that leads to tangible help and change in the lives of those in need.
Expand Your Borders
By K.P. Yohannan0Expanding Our BordersCompassionJOB 23:16ISA 58:10MAT 25:40MRK 3:35LUK 6:36ROM 12:15GAL 6:2PHP 2:4COL 3:121JN 3:17K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the need for believers to expand their compassion beyond their immediate circles, urging them to embrace a broader sense of family that includes those suffering for their faith and those in need. He challenges the self-centered mindset prevalent in society, advocating for a heart transformation that allows God's compassion to flow through us. By sharing personal experiences and scriptural references, he encourages listeners to pray for a softened heart and to actively engage with the struggles of others, reflecting the love of Christ in their actions.
The Cost and Worth of Sympathy
By J.R. Miller0CompassionSympathyPSA 34:18ISA 53:3MAT 5:4ROM 12:152CO 1:3GAL 6:2COL 3:12HEB 4:15JAS 1:21PE 3:8J.R. Miller emphasizes that true sympathy goes beyond mere emotional responses; it requires personal experience of suffering and struggle to resonate deeply with others' pain. He illustrates that while many may echo feelings of joy or sorrow, genuine sympathy is rooted in individual experiences that enrich one's ability to empathize. Christ exemplifies this by living a human life, experiencing trials and temptations, which enables Him to truly understand and sympathize with our struggles. Miller argues that only through our own trials can we develop the compassion necessary to support others effectively. Ultimately, he calls for a deeper understanding of sympathy as a ministry that requires us to learn from our own life experiences.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Rejoice with them that do rejoice - Take a lively interest in the prosperity of others. Let it be a matter of rejoicing to you when you hear of the health, prosperity, or happiness of any brother. Weep with them that weep - Labour after a compassionate or sympathizing mind. Let your heart feel for the distressed; enter into their sorrows, and bear a part of their burdens. It is a fact, attested by universal experience, that by sympathy a man may receive into his own affectionate feelings a measure of the distress of his friend, and that his friend does find himself relieved in the same proportion as the other has entered into his griefs. "But how do you account for this?" I do not account for it at all, it depends upon certain laws of nature, the principles of which have not been as yet duly developed.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Rejoice with them that rejoice; and weep--the "and" should probably be omitted. with them that weep--What a beautiful spirit of sympathy with the joys and sorrows of others is here inculcated! But it is only one charming phase of the unselfish character which belongs to all living Christianity. What a world will ours be when this shall become its reigning spirit! Of the two, however, it is more easy to sympathize with another's sorrows than his joys, because in the one case he needs us; in the other not. But just for this reason the latter is the more disinterested, and so the nobler.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Rejoice with them that do rejoice,.... Not in anything sinful and criminal, in a thing of nought, in men's own boastings; all such rejoicing is evil, and not to be joined in; but in things good and laudable, as in outward prosperity; and to rejoice with such, is a very difficult task; for unless persons have a near concern in the prosperity of others, they are very apt to envy it, or to murmur and repine, that they are not in equal, or superior circumstances; and also in things spiritual, with such who rejoice in the discoveries of God's love to their souls, in the views of interest in Christ, and of peace, pardon, and righteousness by him, and in hope of the glory of God; when such souls make their boast in the Lord, the humble hearing thereof will be glad, and will, as they ought to do, join with them in magnifying the Lord, and will exalt his name together: and weep with them that weep; so Christ, as he rejoiced with them that rejoiced, at the marriage in Cana of Galilee, wept with them that wept, with Mary at the grave of Lazarus. The design of these rules is to excite and encourage sympathy in the saints with each other, in all conditions inward and outward, and with respect to things temporal and spiritual; in imitation of Christ their great high priest, who cannot but be touched with the infirmities of his people; and as founded upon, and arising from, their relation to each other, as members of the same body; see Co1 12:26;