July 26: THE GIFT OF TEARS

For even if I made you sorry with my letter, I do not regret it; though I did regret it. For I perceive that the same epistle made you sorry, though only for a while. 2 Corinthians 7:8

Paul’s relationship with Christ would not allow him to turn a blind eye when the Corinthian culture of self-indulgence pushed its way into the church in Corinth. He understood that conviction of sin was and is the work of the Holy Spirit. He also knew that tolerance of sin is not a virtue, but rather a deadly vice. It was with a broken heart that he wrote to them addressing specific problems in the church; that written letter was followed up with fervent prayers. Paul knew what it was to have the conscience stirred, which brings a soul before the presence of God. When this happens to someone, it is not that person’s relationships with others that has shaken him the most; it is his relationship with God. The agonized words of David ring out: “Against You, You only, have I sinned, and done this evil in Your sight…” (Psalm 51:4)

Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that your sorrow led to repentance. For you were made sorry in a godly manner, that you might suffer loss from us in nothing. (2 Corinthians 7:9) To recognize that repentance itself is a gift from God brings the realization that fallen human nature is incapable of turning toward Him apart from the aid of His Holy Spirit. To be convicted of sin is a “special occasion” that brings a person to the beginning of understanding God. To “get caught” is the best thing that can happen because of the choice to be forgiven and restored that comes with it. Paul’s letters to the Corinthians were not without effect. His own experience of divine grace was too precious to him for him to fail to speak up. He pointed out sin through tears of love, fueled by the hope of the Lord.

For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death. (2 Corinthians 7:10) To be confronted with one’s own sin is to come to a fork in the road of life. There is always the personal choice to just be disgusted with oneself for a while; but that road will by degrees lead to defiance and rebellion. But repentance – that precious gift! – opens the possibility to a new direction for life. Among the earliest Americans were the Puritans who would pray for their loved ones, asking the Lord for “the gift of tears.” Though it is bitter to come to grips with the gravity of sin, the sweetness of the Lord’s Spirit of comfort, guidance, and restoration is beyond description.

Peter’s experience of tears is of immeasurable value to us, knowing the priceless leadership that filled his life after learning to depend entirely upon his gracious Master, the Lord Jesus!

And Peter remembered the words of Jesus who had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” So he went out and wept bitterly. Matthew 26:75