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b"Your friend beat you out for the role you wanted. Maybe it was a spot on the varsity soccer team, the lead in the musical, or the job you applied for. It's so difficult not to let bitterness fester after receiving a disappointment\\u2014especially when a friend receives what you were hoping for. One way to fight against the bitterness? By leaning into the gift of community God gave to us as Christians. But this is easier said than done. I personally am competitive, so it's hard for me when I see my friends achieving things I want. But the kingdom of God is not a zero-sum game. What does that mean? Basically, just because my friend got the role I wanted, that doesn't mean there are no more roles left for me. What is given to her is not taken away from me. God gave Christians the gift of community so we could strengthen each other through empathy for each other. As the church, we're called to \\u201crejoice with those who rejoice\\u201d\\x9d and \\u201cweep with those who weep\\u201d\\x9d (Romans 12:15). That means we rejoice when our friends rejoice. When a friend accomplishes something, we celebrate with them. At the same time, we're called to weep with those who are weeping. If a friend is facing disappointment, we mourn with them. Lament and rejoicing are equally important responses for us as the Body of Christ (which includes all Christians around the world and throughout history). We can do this because Jesus Himself wept with His friends over the death of His friend Lazarus (John 11:35). He also asked His friends to stay awake with Him during the dark moments before His betrayal (Matthew 26:36-46). And, that same night, He celebrated the Passover\\u2014and the first ever Communion\\u2014with the disciples (Matthew 26:17-29). Jesus understands our hurts and our joys, and He is with us through both rejoicing and weeping (Hebrews 4:14-16). So, we can bring both our letdowns and our celebrations to God and to our brothers and sisters in Christ. We are secure\\u2014in disappointments, grief, or joy\\u2014because we have Jesus. We are heard by Him and by His people. \\u2022 Naomi Vroegop \\u2022 As Christians, why is it important to share our hurts and joys with other Christians? How does this protect us from bitterness when one friend receives something we wanted? \\u2022 How can you mourn and rejoice with people in your life? Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. Romans 12:15 (CSB)\\n\\n\\xa0\\n\\nRead Verses:\\n\\n1 Corinthians 12:25-27; Galatians 6:2; 1 Peter 5:7"