Love Shows Empathy
Romans 12:15-16
Pastor Jerry Koller

The one essential thread that ties us all together is the saving work of Jesus Christ. This is what it means to be like-minded.

Verse 15 shows both ends of a spectrum. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. (Romans 12:15)
· To rejoice means to express great or ecstatic joy.

Jealousy can lead to envy or covetousness.

On the other end of the spectrum, we are to mourn with those who mourn.
· Mourning includes an element of sadness.
· Weeping includes the shedding of tears.

Mourning would include weeping that is caused by some kind of pain or grief—such as the loss of a loved one. The weeping would be intense.

John 11:32-36 records the intimate details of the death of one of Jesus’ closest friends.

Jesus shed tears as an expression of mourning and grief.

In order to rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn, one must be willing to come alongside others.

Being like-minded—or being of the same mind—can be hindered by pride and conceit.
· ...Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. (Rom. 12:16)
· ...Do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. (NASB)
· ...Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. (ESV)

Haughty means to show arrogant superiority to those one views as being inferior or unworthy.

Lowly people are ordinary, unimportant people.
· In Paul’s day, this group may have included beggars, widows, orphans, slaves or servants, and shepherds.

Dangers and difficulties always arise when we begin to think of ourselves in a manner that is inappropriate.

As far as personal income is concerned, how often do people who have amassed a few million dollars associate with people whose income is only five digits or less?

Purpose Driven Church example:
· If everyone is targeting Saddleback Sam, who is targeting Walmart Wally?

Do not be conceited. (Rom. 12:16 NIV)
Do not be wise in your own estimation. (NASB)
Never be wise in your own sight. (ESV)

Being wise in your own eyes has to do with elevating yourself above others in any number of ways.

Pride and conceit do not contribute to harmony in any way
· They separate and divide.
· They nurture insincerity.
· They are never good traits.
· They will never foster brotherly love.
· They will not allow you to honor one another above yourself.
· Seldom will they ever share with others in need.

· We have to seek harmony, not pride.
· We have to seek harmony, not conceit.
· We have to seek harmony, not self-centeredness.
· We have to seek harmony, not judgmentalism.

The love Jesus has for us is not a result of pride or vanity Therefore, we must follow His example.

· Gary Wilson (Jeff Wilson's dad) is recovering from surgery for colon cancer; pray for a speedy recovery and healing; other treatment options are being evaluated.
· Steve Follman will have a hip replacement surgery on 9/21.
· Taylor Brown (12 year-old great granddaughter of Frank & Mary Buchert, grandniece of Curt & Patty Bales) was able to finally return home on 8/27 after being quarantined and hospitalized for several months while she prepared and underwent a stem cell transplant.
· Geraldine Smith (Tom & Judy Gardner's daughter-in-law) is hospitalized in ICU on a ventilator in Kentucky due to complications from diabetes and Covid which occurred while traveling; pray for a miracle of healing and restoration and for peace for her husband and children during this time of uncertainty as they wait at home in Bangor. Art & Geraldine's son, Justin, is best friends with Carson Finch (Bailey Rooker's boyfriend).
· John Ellis is getting deployed to fight wildfires in California. He leaves on Tuesday and is expected to be there for at least 30 days or more. Please pray for his safety and protection.
· Billy McIntosh (Renee Goff's brother) is suspected to have a genetic form of cardiomyopathy; waiting for test results; has to wear a life vest/portable defibrillator for 90 days and then further treatment will be determined.
· Doug Hall (nephew of Alice Avery, Judi Beckwith & Doris Sutherland) has been released from the hospital for care at home while he continues to wait for a bed to become available in St. Louis Hospital so he can have surgery to remove a very large, painful cyst on his pancreas.
· Stan & Jean Robinson and Bruce & Janine Robinson and their family upon the passing of Stan’s brother and Bruce’s father, Howard Robinson, on 8/15.
· Nathan & Chelsea Hagger and their family upon the passing of Chelsea’s grandmother, Eileen Wedig, on 8/9.
· Susie (Tracy Marshall’s aunt) who lost her 15 year old grandson to an overdose and a 1 year old great-granddaughter to a drowning accident within a two week period. The family is reeling from so much heartache in such a short amount of time.
· Lois Farr (former FBC member) has been diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer.
· Carol Brower (sister-in-law of Eric & Tom & Mechele Brower) is receiving Hospice care.
· Tim Sullivan has Coronary Artery Disease; pray for healing.
· Loretta Pollard (mother of Susan Seitz) has been placed in a nursing home.
· Linda Rooker is recovering from a successful hip replacement surgery. Pray for a speedy healing and minimal pain.
· Doug Zantello is recovering from foot surgery. Pray for minimal pain and a speedy recovery.
· Check out our monthly prayer card on-line at southhavenfbc.com under “Weekly Bulletins” for a list of those with on-going needs.

First Baptist Church
1635 76th Street
South Haven, MI 49090
269-637-1291
southhavenfbc@gmail.com