Rejoicing in the Graces of Others

What a happy condition when God's glory, the church's comfort and strength, and our own joy, meet. We ought to take notice of the works of God in creation and providence, when we see plants, stars, and such like, or else we dishonour God. What then should we do for his gifts and graces in his children, that are above these in dignity? Should we not take notice of what is graciously good, and praise God for it? That is what they did for Paul's conversion, 'they glorified God.' For when they saw that Paul, once a wolf had become not only a sheep, but a shepherd and leader of God's flock, ‘they glorified God' (Gal. 1:24). So, the believing Jews, when the Gentiles were converted, they glorified God, that he had taken the Gentiles to also be his people (Acts 11:18). When Paul and others had planted the gospel, and God gave increase, the godly Jews rejoiced at that good. So, we that are Gentiles, should rejoice to hear of the conversion of the Jews, and pray for it; for then there will be a general joy. Want of joy shows want of grace. There is not a surer character of a devilish disposition, than to look on the graces of God's children with a malignant eye. Those that speak evil of the graces of God in others, and cloud them with disgraces, that they may not shine, and will not have the sweet ointment of their good names to spread, but cast dead flies upon it, show that they are of his disposition who is the accuser of the brethren. All that have grace in them, are of Christ's and of the angels' disposition. They joy at the conversion and growth of any Christian. They are called friends and beloved; and none but friends and beloved can love as Christ loves, and delight as Christ delights.

Devotional Readings taken from Puritan Richard Sibbes 'Refreshment for the Soul.'
The Love of Christ (Bowels Opened), pp. 47-48
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