It is Not Always Easy To Be Happy With Those Who Are Happy

We often read or hear this Word of God: "Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep." (Romans 12:15, NLT)
I also heard that it is always easier to be happy with those who are happy than to mourn with those who mourn. However, I have seen in my experience that it is not necessarily true. Many people I know actually find it easier to mourn with those who mourn, but not to be happy with those who are happy. When a friend of mine passed away, all of his friends including me were grieving together with the family he had left behind. My heart was broken for his wife and his little daughters. It is actually easier to symphatize with someone who is grieving.

Then, several years ago another friend got a better job without the need to struggle for it. Instead of me rejoicing with her, I was really unhappy. Did I say "congratulations!" to her? Yes, I did. Was I sincere when I said it? No, definitely not! Why? Because knowing her getting that job without the need to struggle for it made me sad. I felt that it was so unfair. I have been trying all the best I could to get my dream job, but I only got rejection after rejection. Even worse, I resented her after she kept telling me that all went well with her. I decided that I didn't want to have anything to do with her anymore. I was so bitter and resentful. She basically didn't do anything wrong, but I couldn't bear her telling me how happy she was with her new job, with her life. Life has been nice to her, while I have been encountering rude people. Since then, I distanced myself from her. It's very sad, indeed! She must have been confused of why I resented her.

So, when I read Romans 12:15, I felt like God was nudging my heart. He was pointing the issue I had during that time. I was not Christ-like, when I resented my friend. Whether I like to admit it or not, I was actually envious of her and was so full of self-pity. Then, The Lord reminded me again about the story of Cain and Abel. Cain killed Abel because he was so envious of him. See, how dangerous it is when our heart is filled with envy! God doesn't want me to be envious of others. This kind of sin usually starts from comparing oneself with others, then it grows into self-pity which in turn grows into envy and finally would result in hatred, murder and many other nasty things. Thank God that He showed me my ugly heart! Thank God that He wants me to get over it and move on. He wants me not to look to others, but look only to Him. When I look to Jesus, I know my worth. I know that I am loved. I know that everything else don't matter for Him, but my heart. My worldly achievements mean nothing for Him. I feel secure when I look to Him and I don't need to compare myself with others.

Thank you, Abba Father, for showing me Your truth. Your truth sets me free! I no longer have the need to compare myself with others, but be content with all I have. I can rejoice with those who rejoice because I know my worth in You. Help me, Lord, to always remember that You died for me on the cross because You love me and I could never find any satisfaction in my life apart from You. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.