It's Okay to Feel Sad

Takeaway: Grief is a natural response, and it's okay to express it.

Context

This moment happens when Jesus arrives after His friend Lazarus has died. Everyone is mourning. Jesus sees their pain. He feels it too. It’s a powerful moment showing His compassion.

Meaning

In this short verse, we see a profound truth about Jesus. He doesn’t shy away from emotions. Instead, He embraces them. Grief is tough, and it affects everyone differently. You might feel sad or lost when facing loss. That’s totally normal. Jesus shows us that it's okay to cry. He understands our pain deeply.

When we grieve, we connect with our humanity. It reminds us of our love for those we've lost. Jesus didn’t just feel sadness for Lazarus. He felt for everyone around Him. He shows us that vulnerability is not weakness. It’s a part of being human. We can lean into our feelings and seek comfort in God.

Live It

• Call someone who has experienced loss recently. Just listen to them.
• Set aside time this week to journal about your feelings. Write freely without judgment.
• Light a candle in memory of someone you've lost. Take a moment to remember them.

Reflect & Pray

Reflect: How do I usually handle my feelings of sadness? Do I allow myself to grieve?
Pray: Lord, help me to be honest about my feelings. Teach me to embrace my grief and seek comfort in You. Amen.