UNPACK This...Biblical Truth From the Super BowlSample

Super Bowl Weeping And Rejoicing

Following the Super Bowl each year, as fans we either celebrate the victory of the team who wins this momentous championship game…or experience disappointment over the loss of the team we were rooting for.

These emotions are shared with other like-minded fans, and, of course, we’re all hoping to end up feeling proud and excited because our team was the winner.

Regardless of the outcome, both fan bases find comfort in knowing they’re not alone because others are right there beside them – high-fiving or consoling each other.

The Bible says in Romans 12:15, “Rejoice with those who rejoice [sharing others’ joy], and weep with those who weep [sharing others’ grief]." This verse has a simple message and sports fans seem to know how to live it out well when facing wins and losses.

But when experiencing these emotions in other areas of life, we can struggle and not band together as well as we should.

What first comes to mind when our buddies are getting a promotion? How about when we hear they’re buying a new house? Do we rejoice with them when their prayers have been answered?

Unfortunately, sometimes our first thought might be that of jealousy. We may even pretend to be happy, but deep down question, “Why them and not me?”

When it comes to weeping with others, we might stay away because we don’t want to get in the middle of a tough situation. We’d rather avoid dealing with our friends who have lost their job or are going through a divorce or are having serious health problems. We don’t want to be brought down by their discouraging circumstances.

However, at the end of each Super Bowl when we see both a winning and a losing team, let’s be reminded that we all have seasons of great joy and seasons of great challenge. Let’s be mindful that God calls us to share each other’s joy and grief by rejoicing with those who are rejoicing…and weeping with those who are weeping.

I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please help me come alongside others when they’re weeping and have compassion as I weep with them. Please take my jealousy and pride away when I see someone else experiencing joy and help me rejoice with them. Thank you for being with me as I weep and rejoice. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.