Jesus Wept

Cheerfulness represents a fruit of the Holy Spirit, if it genuinely reflects one’s inexpressible joy in Christ. Proverbs 15:15; John 15:11; Galatians 5:22; Philippians 4:4-6, 7; 1 Peter 1:8.

But there too exists a “time and place for mourning.” Ecclesiastes 3:4. Indeed, Scripture provides that “sorrow is better than laughter because a sad face is good for the heart.” Ecclesiastes 7:3. For example, this kind of “godly sorrow” might include “mourning with those who mourn, or “bringing repentance” over some grievous sin “which leads to salvation without regret”—like Peter who evidently “wept bitterly” after denying Christ thrice in wake of Jesus’ arrest. Romans 12:15; 2 Corinthians 7:9-10; Luke 22:62.

Consider Christ. According to biblical sources, in view of Lazarus’ death—before resuscitating him—“Jesus wept.” John 11:33-35, 38-44. If Jesus Christ—the man regarded as God in flesh wept—then tears properly shed remain not only acceptable, but righteous by all biblical accounts.

As Jesus Himself proclaimed, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” Matthew 5:4. Therefore, if you shed tears—e.g., whether over sin, losing a loved one, personal challenges, and/or healthy emotional expression amid exhaustion/burnout—“take rest” in them. Matthew 11:28.