shared joy is double joy, shared sorrow is double sorrow

Happy June! 

I just noticed that my last newsletter was also on the topic of joy so... here's part two. My hope with these newsletters is for me to be an open book and inspire a deeper journey with God. 

A quote has been sticking with me and felt life-giving to pass it on to you.

“Shared joy is double joy; shared sorrow is half sorrow.” - John B. Hayes

When someone shares a joy with others, it doubles the joyful experience. When a person laughs, others chuckle. When a person shares a sorrow, it feels a little lighter in that moment. When tears are witnessed often a tear wells up. I believe this concept is true for all humans. 

The quote has come alongside of my study of the Trinity in the Gospel of John, chapters 13-17. In chapter 15, Jesus teaches about abiding in his words, in his love and in his very being. Then all of a sudden, Jesus said this about joy:

“These things I have spoken to you that My joy may be in you and your joy may be full.” John 15:11 

That word "full" gets me every time. The greek root is the origin of our english word “plethora.” Divine joy overflows and doubles when shared with others. 

Father, Son and Spirit are the headwaters of joy for all humanity. "Shared joy is double joy" exemplifies a true concept of the joy of Jesus in us. 

I have seen this quote revealed in so many contexts of relating: retreats, marriage, spiritual friendship, parenting, vacationing or relating at church. For me today, I think it fits well with talking with people different than me.

I heard this quote in a podcast episode  aimed at providing wisdom for interactions with people that have opposing theological views. Regardless of differences, the podcast points to joy as a powerful connector.

The host referenced a previous episode (interview starts halfway through) where neurotheologian, Dr. Jim Wilder was interviewed and claimed that humans connect through two simple ways: eating together and sharing joy.

Dr. Wilder draws evidence from his study of theology and the human brain. He wrote a book called The Other Half of Church and actually spoke in Greensboro a few months ago. 

I'm challenged to carry out this Trinitarian quote as I interact with people who may have opposing theological, social or political views. And, how powerful would it be to hear a sorrow shared, cut the burden in half and be with that person who is different from me!?

"Shared Joy is double joy, shared sorrow is half sorrow." May it be so.

Thanks for reading today. I'll end with a stanza from an old Quaker hymn: 
“O Joy that seeks me through pain; I cannot close my heart to thee. I trace the rainbow through the rain; and feel the promise is not vain; that morn shall tearless be.”

Love,
John