Finding Deep Joy in a Sad, Shallow World (A Study of Philippians) Part 10 JOY and REJOICING with Others!

We are investigating Paul’s sixteen uses of the term JOY (and its variants) in the incredible epistle to the Philippians. His seventh use of the term JOY is found in chapter 2 where he says —

17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 18 So you too should be glad and rejoice with me. (ch. 2)

This expression “I am glad and rejoice with all of you” is χαίρω καὶ συγχαίρω πᾶσιν ὑμῖν· One does not have to know Greek to see that the two verbs (χαίρω καὶ συγχαίρω) and similar (both from the verb χαίρω which means “to rejoice”). The seventh use of this word JOY (συγχαίρω) literally means “to rejoice with.”

Joy and rejoicing can certainly be an individual response to the many kindnesses of our God, but there is something quite significant about rejoicing with others! In fact, Paul goes on and uses the eighth and ninth occurrences of JOY in the next verse when he says, “So you too should be glad and rejoice with me” (v. 18). Paul uses the same language in verse 18 that he used at the end of v. 17 – χαίρω καὶ συγχαίρω πᾶσιν ὑμῖν· ¹⁸ τὸ δὲ αὐτὸ καὶ ὑμεῖς χαίρετε καὶ συγχαίρετέ μοι.

Let’s think about this idea of “rejoicing with” others. Some of us are quite adept at complaining with others about a wide variety of things that bother us. When we focus on what the Lord is doing through us — and through others — we ought to rejoice. Together!

Rejoice with someone else today! Direct your attention to something the Lord is doing through you or through others that will matter for eternity. And determine to find your JOY in that.