“Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.”
Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. — Symchairō (rejoice together) and sympatheō (suffer together, empathize) establish emotional solidarity. This is not sentimental but embodied—the Christian community shares its members' joys and sorrows. The symmetry suggests that solidarity is the fundamental posture.
Church Fathers on Romans 12:15
“Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.” Since it is possible to bless and not to curse, and yet not to do this out of love, he wishes us to be penetrated with the warmth of friendship throughout. And this is why he goes on in these words, that we are not only to bless, but even feel compassion for their pains and sufferings, whenever we happen to see them fallen into trouble. Yes, it will be said, but to join in the sorrows of mourners one can see…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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