You Shed a Tear

 

Things You will Never do in Heaven, Part 7

 

Introduction

Boys often grew up in a home in which the father stated that, “Men Don’t Cry; it isn’t a manly thing to do.” Since then, boys (and men) have evolved to where they are able to share their feelings and show their emotions without judgment from their peers.

Tears are shed for many reasons: Death, Sorrow, Sickness, Loss of job, loss of friends (moving away), etc. It’s an emotional release of the body to show the sadness that an individual is feeling. However, in Heaven, there will be no sadness, no sorrow, and no one will shed a tear anymore

 

It’s Okay to Cry

Crying, or weeping (as listed in scriptures) is acceptable. Do not let anyone tell you otherwise. Here are a few examples from the New Testament.

Jesus Wept—John 11:35; considered the shortest verse in scripture. Jesus shed tears when He learned that His friend, Lazarus, had died. Although He knew that was about to raise him from the dead, He still felt that pain of loss. When He saw the others standing around weeping, it broke His heart that He groaned in the spirit and was troubled (Jn. 11:33)

Peter wept bitterly—Jesus had told Peter that he would deny Him three times before the rooster crowed. In Luke 22, it shows a slightly different version of the denial as we pick up the scene in verse 60-62, But Peter said, "Man, I do not know what you are saying!" Immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed. And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had said to him, "Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times." So Peter went out and wept bitterly.

Even though Peter was told, beforehand, of his denial, it still hurt him greatly to have actually done it. To see The Lord’s eyes gaze upon him, is enough to emotionally hurt anyone.

Paul wept for the brethren—In Acts 20, he spoke to the elders of the church in Ephesus and told them of all that he did in regard to preaching the truth of the gospel. Paul gives this warning in verses 28-31, “Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears.”

He was so concerned for their well-being that he wept tears; knowing that they would be tested and hoped they would remain faithful. Although he gave them the tools needed, he wasn’t sure who would stay strong and who would give in to temptation.

 

No Tears in Heaven

We sometimes sing the song, No Tears in Heaven, which is also sung at some funeral services. It reminds us of what is written in Revelation 21:4, “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” This is also proof that there is no one in heaven, right now, looking down on this world. I’m sure if that were true, there would be many tears shed over what is transpiring on this planet.

 

Conclusion

Don’t be afraid to express your sorrow with tears but, at the same time, don’t let your sorrow consume you to the point of emotionally crippling yourself. You need to keep moving forward to that home in Heaven.