The Daily: Tuesday April 28, 2026

When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled... Jesus wept. John 11:33,35

The Courage to Feel

We live in a culture where society honors  strength and perseverance. The result is a culture that has come to view emotional numbing as a sign of maturity. However, Jesus presents an entirely unique approach to how we should think about mourning when he proclaims "the mourner" will be blessed. Mourning isn’t about dwelling on your loss, it’s about developing the ability to experience deep feelings in a world that encourages you to numb yourself.

Most people are masters at staying away from hurt. People busy themselves, constantly scroll their phones, and/or plow right through their emotions as if they were roadblocks in the way. But what if grieving wasn’t something for you to either “fix” or just skip ahead of? What if grieving was, instead, a door into a greater sense of connection with God and other humans?

If we permit ourselves to fully grieve (for whatever reason), whether for a lost dream, a personal loss, or the sorrow that exists in the world around us — then we aren’t being weak. Rather we are being human exactly as God created us to be. Your tears do not surprise God; they move God.

Jesus knew exactly what he was saying here in this beatitude. When his  cousin John the Bsptist was put to death by the empire, Scripture says Jesus withdrew; He went alone. When Jesus got to the tomb of His close friend Lazarus, we’re told simply, "Jesus wept." Right before everybody else; without apology; without self-composure. He did not show anyone calmness. He showed them presence.

Consider today what grief you may be trying to avoid, and know that experiencing strong emotion does not make you less than a whole person – it makes you one who is fashioned in God’s own likeness.

Reflection Question
What pain or loss have you been trying to manage or avoid instead of allowing yourself to truly feel it?

Prayer 
God, give me courage to feel what I need to feel today. Help me trust that you can handle my honest emotions, even when they feel overwhelming. Amen.