Tears: Weeping with Purpose and Finding God's Comfort
Tears are the involuntary release of emotional grief, remorse, pain, frustration or joy – an outlet that helps bring relief and reveals what matters most to our hearts.
Tears of Repentance and Regret
Peter was convicted by his conscience and cried tears of repentance after he had denied knowing Jesus (Mt 26:75). In contrast, Judas, although remorseful for his actions, did not seek relief from his sin in the only fully restorative way – repentance (Mt 27:3). Peter was forgiven because he repented. Judas was not forgiven because he never asked for forgiveness, showed no repentant heart, and did not reverse his actions.
Esau sold his inheritance right as the oldest son for a single meal when he was famished, disregarding its significance (Gen 25:29-34). It was only later, when he went to claim this privilege, that the far-reaching repercussions of his bad choice became evident. In anguish of heart and with tears his prior hasty unwise decision could not be reversed – he could not regain what he had forfeited (Gen 27:34,38; Heb 12:16-17). Consequences are painful.
Do I ever cry over my sin, and the pain it causes Jesus, or just shed a tear of regret for being found out? Have I ever wept tears of gratitude for what Jesus has done for me (Lk 7:37-50)?
What brings me to tears?
The Tears of Jesus and His Comfort
Jesus wept at the resistance of the people of Jerusalem to accept Him, at the death of Lazarus, and when facing the cross He submitted Himself to God with prayers and tears – He was heard because of His much weeping (Lk 19:41, 22:41-44; Jn 11:35; Heb 5:7). On the way to the crucifixion the followers of Jesus wept, but later their grief would be turned to joy (Lk 23:27; Jn 16:20, 20:20).
Jesus keeps a record of every tear we have cried and every hardship we have endured for His sake. We find comfort in knowing He is with us, so we need not fear anything people may do to us (Ps 56:8-11).
Tears of Empathy and Intercession
Even grown men weep in anguish of heart and we should empathize with others in their situation (1 Sam 20:41, 30:4; Ps 6:6; Act 20:19; Rom 12:15). From the long-term perspective the calamities of life that cause us pain can become character formers when handled correctly (Mt 5:4; Lk 6:21; Jn 20:13-16; Rom 5:3; 1 Pet 1:6-7).
Paul wept when he had to reprimand his fellow believers, but he cared enough to confront them (2 Cor 2:4). The ungodly conduct of others gives pain to a good person; and the necessity of administering reproof and discipline is often as painful to those administering it as it is to those who are the subjects of it. If we ignore their behaviour and let them continue we aren't showing genuine love. Love means honestly sharing our concern.
Do we weep over the lost and for fellow believers to come into a greater level of maturity "of Christ being formed in them" by praying intensely for this to come about – those who "sow in tears reap in joy" (Ps 126:5-6; Act 20:31; Gal 4:19; Phil 3:18)? We should grieve for those who will be doomed to the fires of hell if they continue in unrepentance. There, much weeping will be heard while, for the redeemed in heaven, God will wipe away all tears, whatever the cause (Mt 13:41-42; Rev 7:17, 21:4).
Am I moved to tears of intercession by the desperate state of the lost?
Reflection and Application
- What brings me to tears – my sin and the pain it causes Jesus, or merely being found out?
- Have I wept tears of gratitude for what Jesus has done for me?
- Do I weep with those who weep, and pray intensely for the lost and for struggling believers?
- Am I living with a choice, like Esau's, whose consequences cannot be undone – and have I brought it to Jesus in repentance?
See also: consequences, emotions, grief, prayer, sad, sorrow.