The Gift of Tears

Within a series focused on Jesus’ words, we now turn to His tears. Jesus weeps over Jerusalem because the city has failed to recognize God’s visitation. Throughout Scripture, tears meet us with more than the occasional emotional release. They become an expression of God’s own longing flowing through us, His people. Jeremiah, Paul, and Jesus model compassionate, tearful intercession for people, families, churches, and even cities. We don’t simply ask ourselves, “What makes me emotional?” Instead, we dig deeper: “Where has God given me a burden to pray, contend, and stand watch?” We must also recognize that we can miss seasons of divine visitation if, or when, our hearts become hardened to God’s tender mercy for others.