In many cultures, weeping in public is considered a sign of weakness and is usually associated with immaturity. A real man, they say, is not expected to show his weakness or express such emotion in public. This is far from the truth. While it is not right to always make such an emotional outburst all the time, there are times when the expression of such emotion is appropriate, especially when it flows out from genuine concern and a feeling of empathy.
The Lord expressed this genuine expression of love and empathy at the graveside of His dear friend, Lazarus. When the Lord wept, it was not a cry for a loss. That was impossible because He possesses the power over death. Jesus wept to share sorrow with Lazarus’ relations and friends who appeared inconsolable. Empathising with those bereaved through weeping with them is the ultimate expression of love and willingness to share their burden. His compassion puts His love into action as He raised Lazarus back to life.
Today, Jesus still shows deep concern for believers. He is not aloof, withdrawn or unconcerned with the way we feel and things we go through. He is touched with the feelings of our infirmities. He knows the pains we bear. He does not leave us to face our dark and dreary moments alone because He cares. This being the case, believers are not to go through life sorrowing as destitute and helpless people.
Like our compassionate Christ, we must show concern when our fellow believers grieve and are passing through dark and bleak tunnels of life. We must identify with them, weeping and travailing in prayers for them. This is what our Lord has taught us by His own example and what He expects us to do.
Thought for the day
Perpetual dry eyes in a believer may be a symptom of a spiritual disease.
Listed among “500 most powerful people on the planet” by the Foreign Policy magazine in 2013, Pastor (Dr.) William F. Kumuyi is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM) headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria. DCLM started in 1973 as a 15-member Bible study group right in Kumuyi’s apartment at University of Lagos where he was a lecturer. His revolutionary Bible teaching on personal holiness and commitment to evangelism soon gained so much traction and resulted in a widespread revival.
