The Gift of Tears
Healing and Wholeness in Heart and Soul
Reflection By Robbin Brent
Tears are a gift. We tend to apologize for them, but actually they are jewels in the crown of human feelings. They express what is inexpressible in words. Tears reveal our innermost wounds.
- Macrina Wiederkehr
Tears can be deeply healing. When we’re carrying emotional or spiritual pain, giving ourselves permission to cry releases some of what we’ve been holding, opening our hearts to God’s loving presence. Even Jesus wept at the tomb of Lazarus (John 11:35), and in the Garden of Gethsemane (Luke 22:44). His tears remind us that expressing sorrow is not weakness, but part of being fully human.
In times of pain or grief, finding a safe place to let our tears flow freely—without judgment or shame—is an act of deep kindness and self-compassion. As the Psalmist writes, “You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book” (Psalm 56:8). God cherishes every tear we shed, holding us with boundless love through it all.
We often feel pressure to hold back our tears, afraid they will be seen as a sign of weakness or lack of faith. Yet, tears are a natural and necessary part of who we are. They allow us to process and release intense emotions, helping to cleanse our hearts, minds, and souls so we can make room for healing. When we give ourselves, and others, permission to cry, we open the way to deeper connection with ourselves, others, and God.
Making It Personal: When was the last time you allowed yourself to cry freely, without holding back? How might you create a safe space to welcome and honor your tears this Lent? Reflect on a time when crying brought you unexpected comfort or clarity. What did your tears reveal?