Romans 12:15

Rejoice. Sympathy under all circumstances, whether good or bad, is sure evidence of the genuineness of love. Of the two forms of sympathy mentioned in this verse, the first is perhaps the more difficult. It seems easier and more natural to sympathize with sorrow, but it requires a noble soul to rejoice in the successes and joys of others. The opposites of these virtues are the envy that regards the good fortunes of others with pain and the malice that is gratified by others’ misfortunes. Such manifestations of selfishness are the natural tendencies of the unregenerate heart. In 1 Corinthians 12:26, 27 Paul compares the sympathy that should exist between members of the Christian church with that which is felt by one part of the body for another. Jesus wept in sympathy at the tomb of Lazarus (John 11:35; Desire of Ages, p. 533). He rejoices in the salvation of even the most unworthy sinner (see Luke 15:5-7, 10, 23, 24, 32; Jude 24).