The Divine Essence of Tears: A Path from Grief to Grace (02/22/'24)

The Divine Essence of Tears: A Path from Grief to Grace Tears hold a sacred essence, serving as silent prayers that ascend to God. Far from being a sign of weakness, they are the profound messengers of intense sorrow and indescribable love residing within us. The scripture poignantly reflects this sentiment, stating, "My tears have been my food day and night" (Psalms 42:3), and even Jesus himself expressed his sorrow through tears (John 11:35). The promise of Revelation 21:4 offers solace, envisioning a future where God will tenderly erase all tears, eliminating mourning, crying, and pain as the old order of things vanishes. It is through the shedding of tears that our minds and hearts find cleansing and renewal. The anguish and tears shed on the cross symbolize the profoundest expressions of life and love, offering us the comfort of salvation. This poignant reminder encourages us to recognize the fullness of life only when we are on the brink of losing it, echoing Jesus' assurance that "He is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for to Him all are alive" (Luke 20:38). The indwelling of God's Spirit within us, as stated in Romans 8:9 and 1 Corinthians 3:16, affirms our divine essence as God's temple. The Gospel, enriched by the Holy Spirit, guides us to a deeper, enlightened understanding of our life experiences. It underscores the transformative power of acknowledging and embracing our emotional and spiritual journeys, inviting us to view our tears not as signs of weakness but as integral to our spiritual growth and connection with the divine. Through this lens, we comprehend that our most profound sorrows and greatest loves are intertwined, leading us toward a path of healing and redemption. Pastor Steven G. Lee (February 22, 2024)