There is a concept from psychology that goes by several different names, but I think you will understand it quickly as I explain it. It has been called “Appreciative Joy,” “Sympathetic Joy,” and “Positive Empathy.”

In short, it is the ability to genuinely celebrate the successes and achievements of others. To celebrate the happiness of others as if it were your own happiness.

In 2016, an international team of psychologists from several different research universities around the world conducted a study to measure the effects of Positive Empathy on a person’s overall quality of life. Their study concluded that people who regularly practiced Positive Empathy reported having
– better interpersonal relationships,
– greater peace of mind,
– reduced levels of envy and jealousy, and
– a higher overall life satisfaction
as compared to those who did not practice Positive Empathy regularly.

In Biblical terms, we know that there is a spiritual principle at play here. In Romans 12, where it is talking about community life and how to thrive in our relationships with others around us, verse 15 instructs us to, “Rejoice with those who are rejoicing; mourn with those who are mourning.” (This is a foundational principle of pastoral care providers as well.)

So, whatever you call it – “Appreciative Joy,” “Sympathetic Joy,” “Positive Empathy,” or just simply “rejoicing with those who rejoice” – both the science and the spirituality agree here: your life will be better – across a wide range of areas – the more you practice genuinely celebrating the happiness and the successes and the achievements of others as if they were your very own!