Can a Christian be sad?

"Don't cry. Be brave. It will all be well." These words may sound encouraging but not when someone said them to me. I had just heard my mother had cancer. I was shocked. According to this lady, as a christian we should be happy all the time, whatever our circumstances. But I have learned over the years that it is good to show your emotions and be honest about how you feel.

This part of Jesus' life is pretty interesting. He left his “safe” place in the desert and moved to the place where his friends lived, but also closer to his enemies in Jerusalem. Jesus knew that Lazarus had died.

He went to Bethany with a purpose. He knew he was going to do a miracle. He knew he was going to raise someone from death. Isn’t that amazing? That is huge. Maybe the biggest miracle he performed.

He explained this to his friend Martha, yet she did not grasp it fully...

Jesus was brought to Lazuazes' grave. All along Jesus knew he had the power to raise his friend from the dead. But still...he cried. Why? The bible doesn’t tell us. Perhaps out of compassion. Or maybe it was an angry cry as he faced the enemy he came to defeat?

He did cry...even though he knew the ending would be happy.

It makes me realize it is good to be sad about things that happen. To be sad about injustice and suffering, even death. When you feel sad, tell Jesus. He knows what it's like to cry. You can share your emotions with him.