weep

Little Johnny came downstairs crying loudly. His mother asked, "What's the matter?"

"Dad was hanging pictures, and just hit his thumb with a hammer," said Johnny through his tears.

"That's not so serious," soothed his mother. "I know you're upset, but a big boy like you shouldn't cry at something like that. Why didn't you just laugh?"

"I did!" sobbed Johnny.

Laughter is a good thing, but sometimes it's not very appropriate! It's too easy for us to get things backwards -- we rejoice when others suffer (especially if we can say, "I told you so!"), and we are sad when good things happen to others ("Why couldn't I get that instead?"). But love truly seeks the best interest of others. May we all seek to live out Paul's words:

"Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep." (Rom. 12:15)