A Verse
Romans 12:15
Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.
A Comment
Since July 4th, our family has had near-constant conversation about the tragic flooding in the Hill Country, which, to date, has claimed the lives of over 100 people. As a father of five children, I cannot fathom the pain that so many parents and family members are going through right now. Trite comments and platitudes have no place in moments of tragedy.
The better way forward is to obey the command of Romans 12:15, which tells us to “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” As tears have streamed down so many faces over the last several days, the appropriate response is to weep alongside those who weep. We must resist the urge to be like Job’s friends, who, after several days of silent weeping (the thing they got right!), amid Job’s sorrow, sought an explanation that would satisfy their ill-conceived theology of blessing and suffering. While questions regarding protocols and flood detection should surely be explored in the near future, and the heroic efforts of first responders should be lauded as we hear stories of rescue, we must not forget to weep and grieve as those with hope in Christ. Let us mourn with those who mourn.
A Prayer
Would you pray with me?
A Blessing
“May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.” (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24)
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