“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” — Romans 12:15 NIV

We were created to connect with others, to experience relationship, to share in life’s ups and downs. It is usually easier to share in the joy of others than it is in the grief of others because grief hurts. Even the grief held by another hurts because it stirs up the past grief within you or the anticipated grief yet to come.

When we mourn with those who mourn we are actually easing their burden. We don’t have to know their exact experience of having loss a spouse or a child, but by simply identifying with their pain, a simple “I’m sorry for your loss” is a helpful lift.

Let’s remember, we share the joy and grief of another because one day we’ll need others to share with us.