Tears Are a Gift from God: The Healing Power of Crying
By Jane Perkins, Christian Biblical Counselor
As a biblical counselor, I often remind my clients of this simple, life-changing truth: Before we can truly understand ourselves, we must first understand the heart of God. He is not only our Creator—He is also deeply emotional, and He designed us to reflect His image, including our ability to feel deeply.
God is not stoic. The Bible reveals Him as a God who feels—who rejoices, grieves, loves, laments, and even weeps. That means our emotions are not flaws or failures—they are gifts, given by a God who understands sorrow and joy better than anyone.
Our Emotions Reflect God’s Image
From the very beginning, God called His creation “very good” (Genesis 1:31), including our capacity for emotion. Scripture gives us glimpses into God’s heart:
- He rejoices in His creation (Psalm 104).
- He expresses righteous anger at injustice (Psalm 7:11).
- He weeps over our pain and rebellion (Genesis 6:6; Luke 19:41).
- He sings over His people with delight (Zephaniah 3:17).
- In Christ, we see God moved with compassion, surprise, anguish, and empathy—even shedding tears at a friend’s tomb (John 11:35).
Jesus, our Savior, was “a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief” (Isaiah 53:3). If Christ Himself cried, why do so many of us believe that showing tears is weakness?
Why We Resist Tears
Many of us have been conditioned—through upbringing, societal expectations, or past wounds—to view tears as a sign of weakness. Perhaps you were raised in a home where emotional expression was discouraged, or you were mocked for crying. Maybe you’ve been told that displaying emotion shows a lack of strength or faith. From childhood, phrases like “stop crying” or “be strong” often shape how we respond to pain. Cultural standards can confuse emotional vulnerability with instability, making it difficult to see crying as anything other than a problem. In some Christian circles, there may also be a quiet pressure to appear always joyful, as though sadness contradicts spiritual maturity. But the Bible paints a richer, more compassionate picture.
Jesus wept (John 11:35), and the Psalms are filled with heartfelt cries to God. Scripture doesn’t avoid the reality of sorrow—it embraces it. Tears are not dismissed in God’s Word; they are welcomed and given space. They represent honesty before the Lord and a longing for His comfort and justice.
Suppressing tears doesn’t build resilience; it often leads to isolation, emotional strain, and spiritual dryness. When we bury grief, we also bury our capacity for joy. Avoiding tears can erect barriers between us and the healing God desires for us. Emotional honesty is not weakness—it is a doorway to deeper intimacy with God and others. Choosing to weep before the Lord is an act of surrender. Psalm 62:8 reminds us, “Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.” Your tears are not a sign of failure—they are prayers in liquid form. In God’s hands, they are never wasted.
The Bible Affirms the Power of Crying
God honors our tears. He welcomes them. Consider these truths:
- Crying shows godly grief: In Ezekiel 9:4, God instructs a mark be placed on those who “sigh and groan” over the sin around them. He desires our hearts to be sensitive to brokenness.
- Crying fosters communal healing: In Jeremiah 9:17, God calls for skilled mourners who could lead others in lament. Mourning together allows pain to be shared and healed.
- God cherishes your tears: “You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle” (Psalm 56:8). Not one tear you shed goes unnoticed by God.
- Tears build unity: Paul reminds us to “weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15). Shared sorrow can create a powerful, healing connection.
- Tears bring surrender: When we cry, we often soften. Our hearts become open again—to God’s comfort, humility, and healing.
- The faithful cried: Ruth, David, Hannah, Job, Esther, Paul, and Jesus. Their tears were not failures of faith, but evidence of it. Jesus even said, “Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh” (Luke 6:21).
What Science Says About Crying
Modern research continues to confirm what Scripture has long shown—crying is good for us:
- Releases stress and emotional tension
- Promotes empathy and strengthens relationships
- Reduces pain through the release of endorphins
- Improves mood, sleep, and heart health
- Flushes out toxins, including cortisol (the stress hormone)
- Activates the calming nervous system, lowering blood pressure
- Boosts immunity and supports healing from trauma and grief
So while the world might label tears as weakness, both the Bible and science reveal them as a divine tool for renewal and restoration.
Your Tears Matter to God
Friend, if you’re holding back tears, consider this your permission to let them fall. Not as a sign of defeat—but as a sacred offering. Crying is not a breakdown; it’s a breakthrough. It’s a way to draw near to the Lord and let Him meet you in the rawness of your pain.
Your tears do not repel God. He draws near to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18). He invites you to cast your cares on Him, not with stoic strength, but with honest surrender.
And as you cry, know this: He is near. He sees. He collects. And He heals.
“Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy.” Psalm 126:5
Need Help Processing Your Grief or Emotions?
I would be honored to walk alongside you if you’re walking through a season of sorrow. As a Christian counselor, I offer gospel-centered support for women and families seeking healing and hope through Christ. Let your tears lead you to the One who heals.
Are You Ready for Counseling?
My name is Jane Perkins. I am the owner of Are You Ready Counseling, offering ONLINE Christ-centered, biblical counsel to those struggling with emotional pain, mental health challenges, spiritual confusion, or loneliness. You’re not alone—and you don’t have to stay stuck. I offer a FREE 20-minute consultation to ask questions with no obligation. I invite you to explore the possibility of faith-based healing through our online Christian counseling services – Be Counseled Biblically.
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