Meet Everyone Where They Are

“¹⁵Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” — Romans 12:15 (ESV)

I have again went over this verse before. The note I have written is “love all in all situations”. I absolutely agree with that and have studied extensively that very subject in both a biblical and worldly context. This morning I am reviewing and seeing this verse differently as I continue my look into the word “rejoice”.

I see in this verse the concept of not only loving all in all situations, but meeting them where they are and not expecting them to come to me. I have to be ready to go to them and place myself where they are and the situation they are in to demonstrate my understanding and love for them. This is what we know in the world as an empathetic approach.

Empathy is the idea of understanding and demonstrating that understanding by communicating you have walked where they are walking at some point to some degree. The other must know that you have been there and walked in their shoes before. As they know that you understand where they are, they will open to you and accept you into there space. Now I am not saying that you will “win” them over, but you do have the opportunity to reach them as they now believe you are an ally and walk with them as opposed to against them.

Meeting others where they are is the concept of Christ. Remember that Jesus did not plant Himself in Jerusalem and expect that the people come to Him. He went out into the world, to the people, in the church, in the streets, at the well, in the market, and frankly wherever He could to be sure and reach as many as He could. This example is for me. I have to be willing to put myself where the people are and work to reach them in their space. I have to be able to rejoice with them and weep with them. I have to work with them and fellowship with them. I have to find the way to meet the people where they are and demonstrate to them that I have been in their shoes and want nothing more than to comfort and love them, regardless of the situation.

When you are in the world, what is your expectation of meeting people? Are you one that expects others to come to you and meet you in your space at your leisure? What if you were to meet others where they are and demonstrate love for them in all situations?