Rejoice & Mourn With Them

REJOICE WITH THOSE WHO REJOICE; MOURN WITH THOSE WHO MOURN. Romans 12.15.

For some years I have been writing, preaching and teaching about ‘the ministry of the saints’ in the church. It is a greatly neglected truth about the Church. The ministry to “one another” is mentioned more than 60 times in the epistles alone! The ascending Christ instructed the apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers, ‘to prepare God's people for works of service’, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ (Eph 4.11-13). If only our ministers and saints would follow this biblical principle and practice!

My roots are in Kerala, India. I come from that ancient Christian community called the ‘Syrian Christians’. History reveals our origin as from the first converts of St. Thomas, one of the 12 disciples and apostles of Jesus Christ. In obedience to the Lord’s Great Commission to preach the Gospel to the whole world, Thomas came to India. He landed near Chennai - in the south. Many were converted from Hinduism. Churches were formed and called, the St. Thomas’ Churches.

This exclusive Christian community literally practices what the apostle Paul teaches us today, “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn”. When there is a marriage or sickness or need in a family, the whole community will be behind them, sharing in their joy or sorrow. Many, especially the relatives and friends from the church, would come and stay with the family. They would even take over the chores of cooking the food and caring for the family and visitors. Many of the burdens of arranging the programmes and executing duties for a wedding or arranging a funeral would be handled by them, relieving the immediate family that is grieving!

In many other cultures, the friends and church members may only come and pay short visits, offering their congratulations or condolences but leaving the family to carry on rejoicing or grieving all by themselves. They do no ministering or bear any responsibility! A casual observer would see the difference in the attitude and behaviour of the ‘Syrian Christians’. They would see their Christian love and charity. That is what the world needs to see. As Jesus said, “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (Jn 13.35). Let the tradition of the Syrian Christians teach and encourage you to practice one of the basic Biblical commands we have learned today – minister to one another in brotherly love.

Currently, thousands of Malaysians are crying out because of the devastation of the recent floods. You can pray, give and help in different ways. A great opportunity is before you to show God’s love and Jesus’ compassion. Begin to act and continue to do so.

Pray and practise with me: Dear Lord, who is so full of love and compassion for the people, teach me how we can follow Your Word and respond to the needs of my fellowmen, especially of the household of faith. Amen.