Those who sow tears of love shall reap joy

Many biblical characters cried tears of love.

Joseph wept loudly before he made himself known to his brothers. (Genesis 45:1-3)

In Psalm 18:6, David said, "But in my distress I cried out to the LORD; yes, I prayed to my God for help. He heard me from the sanctuary, my cry to him reached his ears."

Think of the tears Mary had as she looked at her son on the cruel cross. I'm sure her sacrifice was terribly painful, but I'm also sure she knew it had to be to save mankind for those who believed.

Jesus wept, too. He came to earth and experienced every emotion we have, yet he conquered life eternal on the cross.

"They will be his people and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes" (Revelation 21: 4, NIV).

Meanwhile, we are still on planet earth. Until Jesus comes we must keep our trust despite trials. He is the only hope. I must keep my faith even stronger and I will praise Jesus always.

I love Psalm 56:8 in the King James Version: "Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book?"

Did you know Malachi 3:16 talks about a Book of Remembrance?

"Then those who honored the Lord spoke with each other, and the Lord listened and heard them. The names of those who honored the Lord and respected him were written in his presence in a book to be remembered" (NCV).

It's so hard to see someone ill, especially those you love. I have eyes of tears and they are tears of love.

"Those who sow tears shall reap joy. Yes, they go out weeping, carrying seed for sowing, and return singing, carrying their sheaves" (Psalm 126:3 TLB).

My tears are tears of love.

Portales resident Joan Clayton is a retired teacher and published author.

Her e-mail address is:

[email protected]