GOD FEELS EMPATHY FOR OUR HARDSHIPS

Today's promise: God will wipe away sorrow forever

God feels empathy for our hardships

Then Jesus wept. The people who were standing nearby said, "See how much he loved him ."

John 11:35-36 NLT

But as they came closer to Jerusalem and Jesus saw the city ahead, he began to cry.

"I wish that even today you would find the way of peace. But now it is too late, and peace is hidden from you. Before long your enemies will build ramparts against your walls and encircle you and close in on you. They will crush you to the ground, and your children with you. Your enemies will not leave a single stone in lace, because you have rejected the opportunity God offered you."

Luke 19: 41-44 NLT

Jesus' example

The story of Lazarus's death and resurrection (John 11:1-44) contains a profound teaching about sorrow. When Jesus arrived and was taken to the graveside, he wept openly. Onlookers were impressed with the power of his grief and immediately recognized it as an indication of his great love: "See how much he loved him," they said.

The tears Jesus shed that day forever validate the experience of human sorrow and grief. Even though we have the hope of resurrection and we know that for the believer physical death is not the final word, our tears and sorrow are appropriate and good. How comforting to know that God himself is willing to walk the way of sorrow with us! Is there any sorrow that you have been unable to express fully? You can share it with the Lord, for he understands your grief fully.

Content is derived from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation and other publications o f Tyndale Publishing House