Scripture Reading: Psalm 6:1-7
Why Christians Cry
Intro.
1. “Real men don’t cry,” as if showing such emotion is a mark against manliness. It is as if tenderness is a disease, and men must inoculate themselves with the macho vaccine to prevent losing their manhood. False and worldly way of judging what it is to be a man.
2. God created us with the ability to cry, not as a tool to manipulate others, but as the genuine expression of the heart, Eccl. 3:1, 4.
3. Were these “real” men? (God’s man does not have a hard heart.)
a. David and Jonathan wept, 1 Sam. 20:41. Grief over Saul’s treachery against David and the rupture it was causing between friends.
b. Jesus wept, Jno. 11:35. Sorrow at the grave of Lazarus.
c. Paul wept, Acts 20:31. Depth of Paul’s warnings to the brethren.
d. Peter wept, Matt. 26:75. Over his sin of denial of Jesus.
4. The central point is whether Christians are sympathetic/empathetic toward each other. Are we moved by kind affection in our treatment of each other, or by callous disregard toward others? Rom. 12:10
5. We are commanded to “weep with those who weep,” Rom. 12:15.
I. CHRISTIANS Weep with Others (Jesus, Jno. 11:31-36).
A. Because Jesus had Compassion, Matt. 9:36.
1. Compassion (Col. 3:12-13): Tender mercies (“the bowels” - “which were regarded by the Greeks as the seat of the more violent passions, by the Hebrews as the seat of the tender ‘affections’” (Vine, II:16); Hence, inward pity.
2. Restricted affections–no compassion, 2 Cor. 6:11-12 (affections).
B. Because Jesus was Gentle, Matt. 11:29 (5:5).
1. Meek (mild): A disposition of heart (“in heart”) that conveys a soothing disposition (not harsh, hard, inflexible), 1 Thess. 2:7.
2. Cannot weep with someone if our heart is willful and stubborn.
C. Because Jesus was Kind, Matt. 7:12; Gal. 5:22.
1. “Gracious, good, pleasant”; it treats others fairly, honorably and courteously. “Kindness reaches out to those we care about.” Eph. 4:31-32. Love is kind, 1 Cor. 13:4.
2. Kindness genuinely expresses care for/favor toward others.
II. CHRISTIANS Weep Over (about) Ourselves (Peter, Matt. 26:75).
A. Godly Sorrow Over Our Own Sins, 2 Cor. 7:9.
-Caused by being convicted of my sin against God, Acts 2:37 (38, 41).
1. Repentance, 2 Cor. 7:10. Radical change of heart toward God, Acts 20:21.
2. Godly sorrow comes from a contrite heart, Psa. 51:16-17.
B. If We Refuse to “Weep” Over Our Sins and Correct Them Now, We Will Weep Forevermore, Mk. 9:43-44; Matt. 13:50.
-Do not treasure up wrath on the day of judgment (Rom. 2:5).
C. When Enemies Press and Persecute, God Sees Our Tears and Hears Our Prayers, Psa. 6:6-10 (Matt. 5:10-12).
1. God keeps our tears in His bottle, Psa. 56:8-11.
2. Timothy’s tears for Paul in persecution, 2 Tim. 1:4.
3. Rest in faith that His blessings come, Rev. 6:10-11.
III. CHRISTIANS Weep for Others (Paul, Acts 20:31).
A. For Lost Souls and for the Spiritual Welfare of Christians.
1. Preaching and teaching the lost, 1 Cor. 2:2-3.
2. Warning of spiritual dangers, Acts 20:31.
3. When people do not keep God’s law, Psa. 119:136.
B. When We See a Person’s Sins Brings Pain and Punishment Upon Them. (Not a “they get what they deserve” attitude.)
1. Jeremiah for Jerusalem, Jer. 9:1-2 (3-6), 9-10.
2. Jesus for Jerusalem, Lk. 19:41-44 (daughters of Jerusalem, 23:26-31).
IV. When CHRISTIANS Stop Crying.
A. When Our Tears Prevent Us from Doing God’s Will (what is right, though difficult). When they show fear and doubt, 2 Tim. 1:7 (4).
B. When Our Tears Would Hinder Someone from doing God’s Will, Acts 21:10-14. When one is committed to doing God’s will; do not hinder them.
C. When We Reach Heaven, Rev. 21:4. Joy forevermore.
Conclusion
1. When Christians cry it should be from hearts that cling to what is good and abhor what is evil (Rom. 12:9), while clinging to each other.
2. Tears from hearts of goodwill, kind affection and even godly sorrow will give way to eternal joy.
By: Joe R. Price
Posted: May 2, 2018