SANCTIFIED EMOTION. 2nd Timothy 1:4 It is common for tears to be shed openly or privately when we part from those we love and cherish. Paul and the Ephesian elders and their families wept at his final departure. Timothy was emotionally moved as Paul was taken away. Many tears are shed at airports, train stations, and boat docks as signs of real concern and care. Those same tears bring joy when we think about someone who has touched our hearts. We value such people and enjoy our fellowship when we are with them. When those under pressure in life know we genuinely care for them, even to tears, it provides real comfort to know they are not alone in their suffering.
Tears often flow involuntarily as a sign of how deep our connection is with someone, whether it's a spouse, family member, close friend, or someone who has offered kindness during tough times. Emotions can show in many ways, some positive and some negative.
Tears help ease some of the pain of losing loved ones, whether it's when we see someone we care about in physical pain or when someone close to us passes away. The involuntary tears of love and gratitude are quite different from those caused by regret, shame, anger, or manipulation to get our way. When we don't bring every thought “into captivity to the obedience of Christ,” we might forget some facts we know about our God. If we have made rash decisions or promises in the heat of emotion or passion, tears do not undo the unfortunate consequences that follow.