It's not a bad thing when others do well

 

When words are insufficient

A person of character and maturity can rejoice with those who rejoice.

Do You Rejoice In The Success of Others?

We may find it difficult to celebrate the success of others. Oddly enough, we may find it difficult to celebrate the success of people we love and care about the most.

It’s strange but the success of others can sometimes feel as if it minimizes our achievements, or magnifies our lack of achievement.

These feelings often have a lot to do with comparison. If we are caught up in comparing ourselves to others and they are experiencing great achievement and success it is likely we will feel that we do not measure up.

Of course, the simple solution is this: Don’t compare yourself to others! But it is so natural for us to compare ourselves to others that it is almost impossible not to enter into this way of thinking. We make the comparisons even though we know we should not. We make the comparisons even though we know it will surely lead to frustration.

In addition to the problem of comparison, the success of others can stir up a desire in us to have what they have. If this happens we are heading down another dead end road. In fact, envy may even be a more troublesome impulse in us than the inclination toward comparison.

The two of them together create quite the double whammy.

As we walk with God and genuinely learn to find our sense of value, dignity and worth in Him, we do not feel threatened by the success of others, in fact, we can truly rejoice in the success of others.

Okay, I admit I’m still a work in progress in this matter. I do not always find myself experiencing wonderful feelings of delight as I rejoice in the success of others. But I recognize the importance, the value, the freedom and the potential joy that comes to those who can put aside comparison and envy. That recognition helps.

Just think how nice it would be to truly live without envy. Think how nice it would be to see someone you know experiencing great success and genuinely experiencing feelings of joy and happiness for the person. That is a significant level of maturity. It is a good way to live. I mentioned the word “freedom” earlier in this post. To be able to rejoice in the success of others is an authentic form of freedom.

This Christ-like attitude is a form of freedom and joy I desire.

“Rejoice with those who rejoice…!” Romans 12:15

How We Treat People And The Christian Faith

A significant aspect of the Christian faith has to do with how we treat people. Christianity is not just a system of beliefs. Sure, what we believe matters because our beliefs will determine our actions.  But the Christian faith is supposed to be real in our lives in such a way that it effects how we actually live.  And based on the teachings of scripture, the way we live will involve our behaviors and attitudes toward people.

So, how should we treat people?

We should make every effort to be fair and just.

We should be honest, speaking the truth with love, humility and respect.

We should be gracious and forgiving, remembering that we need forgiveness, too.

We should be kind and encouraging.

We should weep with those who weep.

We should rejoice with those who rejoice.

We should laugh with others regularly.

We should love our neighbors.

We should love our enemies.  (Don’t get mad at me, that’s what Jesus said.)

If this seems like a tall order, you’re right, it is.  We need the help and power of the Holy Spirit to live this way.  Fortunately, He will help us do this, if we are willing.

Let’s be willing.