Men – the holiday combo of Thanksgiving followed by Advent / Christmas forces us to get real about the life challenges (i.e. deaths of family members, brokenness in relationships, other losses, etc.) we are walking through. As men we typically do NOT fully acknowledge or engage our grief with others. Keep in mind, though, that grief is evidence of LOVE. When someone or something we loved or cared about deeply is gone, our heart aches for what was and what will never be again.
Jesus fully experienced grief and His wrestling with sorrow is good perspective for us to learn from.
Isaiah 53:3 NLT He was despised and rejected – a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief.
The story of Lazarus’ death in John 11 is what has impacted me the most regarding Jesus’ expression of grief. The portrayal of Jesus’ sadness in the episode of “The Chosen” where he is overcome with sorrow and wept openly is a beautiful depiction of what is okay for us as men also in the year 2025. He felt his own pain. He also entered into the pain of those around him. He didn’t rush past it. He stood with them in it.
Brothers – whatever grieves you now or in the upcoming weeks, share it with Jesus. Share it with the brothers who are close to you. Don’t rush past it. Stand in it and let God heal you.
