Tears are part of life. They are nothing to be ashamed of. We need not apologize for our tears.
There are different reasons for our tears. There are tears of confession, admitting heartfelt sorrow, sadness over wrong. There may be tears when we receive the amazing blessing of forgiveness and restoration. After denying Jesus, Peter went outside and wept bitterly (Matthew 26:74,75). The apostle James writes: “Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up” James 4:8-10.
We might also shed tears of commitment, like the apostle Paul says in Acts 20:19, “You know how I lived the whole time I was with you, from the first day I came into the province of Asia. I served the Lord with great humility and with tears, although I was severely tested by the plots of the Jews.” For Paul, no sacrifice was too great, no burden was too heavy, no affliction was too severe. When we express total commitment, the Spirit enables us to serve, even if that is not easy.
In Romans 12:15 we read, “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” There are times when we shed tears of compassion , sharing our heart of love and care for others. Words do not need to be spoken when tears express our heart.
We live in a world where tears are part of life. We do not shed tears without hope. While there is challenge, weakness, sickness, loneliness, and loss, which bring tears, there is also the promise of victory. Jesus died, but he rose again!! We know and believe the best is yet to come: “Now the dwelling of God is with his people, and he will live with them….He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away” (Revelation 21:3-4).
It’s OK to shed tears. It says how we feel. We do so in hope. God knows our hearts and the struggles of this life that bring tears. He promises victory in the resurrection of Jesus Christ.