Read

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

Think

It’s easy to be joyful when you’re the one winning—when the door opens, the opportunity lands, the prayers are answered. But what about when it’s someone else’s breakthrough? Someone else’s answered prayer? Someone else’s post about their perfect family, their new house, their big promotion?

That’s where joy gets tested. Not just in hardship—but in comparison. Paul writes in Romans 12:15, “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” That sounds simple on the surface, but it’s one of the more challenging commands in Scripture. Because let’s be honest—sometimes it’s easier to show up in someone’s pain than in their joy. Their pain makes space for our own. Their joy can stir up our insecurity. It can highlight what we feel like we’re still waiting for.

But here’s the truth: joy doesn’t run out. It’s not a limited resource that God hands out to a lucky few while the rest of us watch. The success or joy of someone else is not a threat to you. It’s not proof that God has passed you over. It’s an opportunity to reflect his love by choosing to celebrate what he’s doing—even when you’re still waiting for your turn. This kind of joy is an act of faith. It says, “I trust that God is good to them, and he’s still good to me.” It says, “I will not let jealousy steal my joy or my relationships.” It says, “I’m going to celebrate what’s right, even when I’m still wrestling with what’s not.”

And that’s the kind of joy the Spirit grows. It’s not just joy for your own life—it’s joy for what God is doing around you. It’s joy that sees someone else’s win and says, “Look at what God can do!” It’s joy that claps, not because you’re trying to be polite, but because you genuinely want to see the people around you flourish. But how do you do that when it’s hard? You start by being honest with God. You admit that it stings a little. You name the ache instead of pretending it’s not there. And then you let him shift your focus. Gratitude is a great place to start. When you thank God for what he’s doing in your life—even the small, quiet things—it softens your heart toward what he’s doing in others.

You can also get practical. Celebrate someone intentionally. Send a text. Comment with encouragement and not just obligation. Speak the blessing out loud. Sometimes your heart follows your words, and not the other way around.

Choosing joy in someone else’s win doesn’t mean you ignore your own disappointments. It means you trust God enough to believe he hasn’t forgotten you. That he’s not just working in one place—he’s working in all of them, including your own life, even when it’s behind the scenes.

There’s a kind of freedom that comes when you stop comparing and start celebrating. Your heart gets lighter. Your relationships get healthier. And your faith gets stronger. Because instead of looking sideways, you’re looking up. This is the joy of the Spirit. Joy that celebrates, even while waiting. Joy that claps from the sidelines. Joy that knows God is still good—even when it’s not your turn yet.

Apply

Think of someone in your life who has recently experienced something worth celebrating. Maybe it’s something small, maybe something big. Reach out to them today—text, call, DM, or in person—and celebrate them out loud. Make your encouragement specific and sincere. Let joy move beyond your thoughts and into action.

Pray

God, I confess that sometimes it’s hard to celebrate when I feel like I’m still waiting. But I know your goodness isn’t limited, and your timing is perfect. Help me find joy in what you’re doing in others. Teach me to celebrate freely, trust deeply, and love without comparison. In Jesus’ name. Amen.