Celebrate the Victories

Rejoice with Those Who Rejoice

Romans 12:15 (NIV®)“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.”

After many years of observing the Christian walk, I’ve noticed something surprising — most of us are much better at mourning than rejoicing. When someone is hurting, we instinctively reach out. We pray. We send meals. We offer comfort and encouragement. We show up. And that’s a beautiful reflection of God’s compassion in us.

But when someone is rejoicing, we often hesitate. Maybe it’s because their good news reminds us of what we don’t yet have. Maybe we’re just busy. Or maybe we don’t think our presence is needed when things are going well. Yet the Bible calls us to both—to mourn with those who mourn and to rejoice with those who rejoice.

It’s not always easy to celebrate others’ blessings when we’re waiting on our own breakthrough. But that’s exactly what maturity in Christ looks like: choosing joy for someone else’s success, even when our own story feels unfinished.

When we celebrate with others, we’re acknowledging God’s goodness and faithfulness in their lives—and declaring that the same God is at work in ours too. Their victory is a testimony of what’s possible with God.

So, when your friend gets that promotion, rejoice! When your neighbour's child is healed, celebrate! When someone announces good news—no matter how small—thank God with them.

Because rejoicing with others strengthens the body of Christ. It builds unity, deepens relationships, and keeps envy and comparison from taking root in our hearts.

And here’s the beautiful part—when your season of rejoicing comes (and it will come), you’ll have a community ready to celebrate with you, because you’ve already modelled what that looks like.

Let’s be as present in the victories as we are in the losses. Let’s thank God for every answered prayer—ours and others’. And let’s fill the world with joy that reflects His love and goodness.

Reflection:

Who around you is celebrating something right now—big or small? Take a moment today to join their joy. A text, a card, a coffee together, or even a prayer of thanks can turn someone’s private victory into a shared celebration of God’s faithfulness.