Thought for the Day

Relating to those who are experiencing great sorrow requires sensitivity. To "sing songs" or to behave light-heartedly is insensitive; to make light of their predicament is like pouring salt on a wound. It is as likely to bring discomfort as taking someone's coat from him in cold weather, or as bad as mixing vinegar with soda, which causes a bubbling chemical reaction. There is an appropriate time and season for everything, including mourning and laughter (Ecclesiastes 3:1-4). The New Testament also admonishes us along these same lines. "Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep" (Romans 12:15).

Even unbelievers understand this concept; no one needs to be told to celebrate at weddings or mourn at funerals. As Christians, however, we are to share as deeply in the sorrows as well as joys of our brethren. When they rejoice over their blessings, we should rejoice with them. When they are hurting, we should do all that we can to bring them comfort and hope. We ought also to remember our Christian brethren throughout our country and abroad. We should be the first to help in practical ways when people suffer in the wake of natural disasters. We ought daily to remember those suffering persecution for their faith in Christ in other countries, supporting them in prayer as if we were in prison with them (Hebrews 13:3). And we should give generously to Christian organizations, through which we can support their needs and those of their families. We are to be known for our love for one another (John 13:34-35).

The Bible tells us that there is a time and season for everything; weeping, as well as laughing. "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance" (Ecclesiastes 3:1-4).

In suffering, as in all things, Christians have many advantages unknown to those who do not trust in Christ. Our weeping will be turned into joy. Jesus will remove all grief from our souls if we ask Him to do it for us. In exchange for our sorrow, He gives us a peace that is beyond our understanding (Philippians 4:6-7; John 16:33). Unlike those who are lost, our sorrow is only temporal. When we enter heaven, our bodies will be changed, and there will be no more pain or death; this is God's promise to all that make Jesus Christ the Lord of their lives (Revelation 21:3-4). Another advantage is that we do not grieve as those who are without Christ and without hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13). We shall be reunited with our loved ones who knew Christ. We shall see them again and together rejoice in Him forever. Until then, we must be alert and sensitive to those who are hurting.