In today's podcast, we're going to continue our series on the marks of a true Christian

by looking at Paul's encouragement to rejoice and weep with others. One of the most powerful

acts of love we can make is to follow the way of empathy and compassion.

Jesus allowed himself to be burdened by others' burdens, pained by their pain,

and may we follow the way of our Savior today as we spend time in His Word and in His

presence. Welcome to the First 15 podcast.

Our scripture for today comes from Romans 12 verse 15.

Rejoice with those who rejoice. Weep with those who weep.

Have you ever experienced love and compassion from someone right when you needed it?

Have you laughed or rejoiced with friends or family

when you wanted to celebrate something great? Or have you ever had a friend cry with you in a time of

great trial and grief? In Romans 1215, God commands us, rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.

We are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus because his heart is filled with compassion for people.

David exemplifies this truth in Psalm 30 verse 11 when he says,

You have turned for me my morning into dancing.

You have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness.

Let's spend time today encountering God's heart of mercy for his people

and learn how we can better share the love we've been shown with others.

As children of God, we are called to community.

We are called to step away from the path of selfish ambition

and sacrifice our lives for others the way Jesus has for us.

Often the sacrificial life requires simply being there for those God has placed in our

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