Applying the Principle of Rejoicing in Doing Good in Relationships
The principle of rejoicing in doing good in relationships is rooted in biblical teachings that emphasize the importance of communal joy and mutual support. In Luke 15:6, Jesus illustrates this principle through the parable of the lost sheep, where the shepherd rejoices with his friends and neighbors upon finding the lost sheep [5]. This parable highlights the value of sharing joy with others.
The biblical basis for rejoicing with others is further established in Romans 12:15, where Paul exhorts believers to "rejoice with them that do rejoice" and to "weep with them that weep" [6, 9]. This call to sympathetic rejoicing is echoed in other New Testament writings, such as Philippians 2:2, where Paul urges the Philippian church to be "like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind" [4]. The book of Hebrews also encourages believers to "consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds" [2].
In the view of Eastern Orthodox tradition, as represented by John Chrysostom, communal joy and mutual support are essential for fostering love and good works. Chrysostom notes that "from Love good works proceed" and that "nothing is good which is not done through love" [7]. This perspective is consistent with the Baptist/Reformed interpretation, which emphasizes the importance of rejoicing in the prosperity and spiritual well-being of others [9].
The principle of rejoicing in doing good is also linked to the concept of loving one's neighbor. In James 2:8, believers are exhorted to fulfill the "royal law" by loving their neighbors as themselves [3]. This commandment is seen as a fundamental aspect of Christian ethics and is closely tied to the idea of rejoicing with others.
In practice, rejoicing with others involves cultivating a sense of communal joy and shared celebration. As Adam Clarke notes, "To rejoice with those whom God has favored, and to congratulate them on the advantages which he has granted to them, is a duty which humanity, charity, and religion call upon us to fulfill" [8]. This duty is rooted in the understanding that believers are "members of each other" and should therefore rejoice in the welfare of the whole [8].
The various Christian traditions represented in the sources converge on the importance of rejoicing in doing good in relationships. While the specific emphases and interpretations may vary, the underlying principle remains a common thread throughout. As Torrey's Topical Textbook notes, afflictions can be made beneficial when they lead us to seek God in prayer and to turn to Him [1]. In a similar vein, rejoicing with others can be a powerful means of fostering love, unity, and spiritual growth within the community of believers.
The historical development of this principle can be seen in the writings of early Church Fathers, such as John Chrysostom, who emphasized the importance of love and communal joy [7]. The principle has also been reflected in various creeds and confessions throughout Christian history.
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Afflictions Made Beneficial — In promoting the glory of God -- Joh 9:1-3; 11:3,4; 21:18,19. In exhibiting the power and faithfulness of God -- Ps 34:19,20; 2Co 4:8-11. In teaching us the will of God -- Ps 119:71; Isa 26:9; Mic 6:9. In turning us to God -- De 4:30,31; Ne 1:8,9; Ps 78:34; Isa 10:20,21; Ho 2:6,7. In keeping us from again departing from God -- Job 34:31,32; Isa 10:20; Eze 14:10,11. In leading us to seek God in prayer -- Jdj 4:3; Jer 31:18; La 2:17-19; Ho 5:14,15; Jon 2:1. In convincing us of sin -- Job 36:8,9; Ps 119:67; Lu 15:16-18. In leading us to con”
- Hebrews “Hebrews 10:24 (NASB) — and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds,”
- James “James 2:8 (BSB) — If you really fulfill the royal law stated in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well.”
- Philippians “make my joy full, by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind; -- Philippians 2:2”
- Luke (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Luke 15:6: Rejoice with me, &c.--The principle here is, that one feels exuberant joy to be almost too much for himself to bear alone, and is positively relieved by having others to share it with him. (See on Luk 15:10).”
- Romans (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Romans 12:15: Rejoice with them that do rejoice - Take a lively interest in the prosperity of others. Let it be a matter of rejoicing to you when you hear of the health, prosperity, or happiness of any brother. Weep with them that weep - Labour after a compassionate or sympathizing mind. Let your heart feel for the distressed; enter into their sorrows, and bear a part of their burdens. It is a fact, attested by universal experience, that by sympathy a man may receive into his own affectionate feelings a measure of the distress of his friend, and that his friend does find himself”
- CCEL/NPNF (Eastern Orthodox) “John Chrysostom, Homilies on John & Hebrews: consider one another to provoke unto love.” What is, “let us consider one another”? For instance if any be virtuous, let us imitate him, let us look on him so as to love and to be loved. For from Love good works proceed. For the assembling is a great good: since it makes love more warm; and out of love all good things arise. For nothing is good which is not done through love. [4.] This then let us “confirm” 3159 3159 See 2 Cor. ii. 8 towards each other. “For love is the fulfilling of the law.” ( Rom. xiii. 10 .) We have no need of labors or of sweat”
- Luke (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Luke 1:58: And her neighbors and her cousins - rejoiced with her. - Because sterility was a reproach; and they now rejoiced with their relative, from whom that reproach was now rolled away. To rejoice with those whom God has favored, and to congratulate them on the advantages which he has granted to them, is a duty which humanity, charity, and religion call upon us to fulfill. 1. It is a duty of humanity, which should be punctually performed. We are all members of each other, and should rejoice in the welfare of the whole. He who rejoices in his neighbor's prosperity increases h”
- Romans (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Romans 12:15: Rejoice with them that do rejoice,.... Not in anything sinful and criminal, in a thing of nought, in men's own boastings; all such rejoicing is evil, and not to be joined in; but in things good and laudable, as in outward prosperity; and to rejoice with such, is a very difficult task; for unless persons have a near concern in the prosperity of others, they are very apt to envy it, or to murmur and repine, that they are not in equal, or superior circumstances; and also in things spiritual, with such who rejoice in the discoveries of God's love to their souls, in the v”