Why Real Men (& Women) Cry

Resolve to Shed Tears
Crying is not wrong! Crying is good if our tears are shed over the right things. Joseph wept 8 times, David 7 times, Paul 4 times, the Prophet Jeremiah 3 times, and Moses shed tears. Tears have been called the flower of the heart.

Tears of Sorrow ~ In John we read of Mary shedding tears of sorrow because of the death of her brother Lazarus (11:31-33) and we find Mary Magdalene with tears of sorrow at the tomb of our Savior (20:11).

Tears of Loneliness ~ In addition to sorrow, death also creates great loneliness as in the case of the widow of Nain who had previously lost her husband and then suffered the loss of her only son (Luke 7:12-13).

Tears of Sympathy ~ Probably the best known Biblical example of tears is found in the shortest verse in the Bible where we read that “Jesus wept” with tears of sympathy (John 11:35). Our Savior was consoling Martha at the time of the death of her brother Lazarus.

Tears over Sin and its Consequences ~ Luke was sobered to the point of tears over his deep level of concern about the final destination of those around him (Acts 20:31). Christ, our example, expressed deep emotional concern over Jerusalem (Matthew 23:37-39).

In addition to tears of sadness there are tears of gladness!

Tears of Affection ~ Timothy loved his spiritual father as a natural son loves his father. Paul remembers Timothy’s tears—perhaps they were shed when they last parted or maybe as he remembered their close friendship (2 Timothy 1:4). Perhaps the tears flowed in remembrance of some deep conversations which they had shared. We do not know for sure the exact reason for these tears.

Tears of Faith and Gratitude ~ Some individuals are overcome with emotion when they accept God’s offer of salvation. Their realization of what Christ did for them at Calvary and the freedom that comes with accepting His free gift of salvation cause great emotion. For example, we read of a concerned father who believed in Christ yet was honest enough to admit he still had much unbelief (Mark 9:24).

Tears of Gratitude and Devotion ~ When Christ accepted an invitation to eat at the home of a Pharisee, a sinful woman came and wept as she applied fragrant oil to the Savior’s feet (Luke 7:38).

Tears of Service ~ We find Paul exhorting the elders at Ephesus, and as he does, he mentions his own tears as he served God (Acts 20:19). Service in God’s army can be tough—while we may become tired in His service, we should never tire of His service.

CONTEMPLATE: When was the last time you shed tears of faith, gratitude, devotion, or because of your service for Him?