Genesis records Joseph weeping frequently in relating to his brothers (42:24; 43:30; 45:14–15; 50:17). What we see is that tears are not a design flaw but a divinely engineered means to reflect that we are alive and bear the image of God.

Our human tears also reflect our Savior, who wept at the sight of death (Jn 11:35) and bearing the pain and curse of sin. Our crying reminds us of what was never meant to be.

Yet, in Christ, we know suffering has an expiration date, and we do not grieve w/o hope. God tracks our tears and we are held secure (Ps 56:8). Jesus will wipe our rosy cheeks and fill our face with gleaming eyes and beaming smiles. Unspeakable joy awaits every weary saint.

“There is a sacredness in tears. They are not a mark of weakness, but of power. They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. They are the messengers of overwhelming grief, of deep contrition and of unspeakable love.” – Washington Irving