Why am I crying?

[ともこ]

When I was in church over memorial day weekend, there were some old war veteran's and their families. They sat in front of me. When the pastor was reading the book of John, and Jesus was mentioned, my eyes started to well up, and I started to cry. Everyone around me, makeup all smeared on my face. I felt embarrassed. Then this old man with a Pearl Harbor Survivor hat on said, "You are experiencing his presence that some can't help but cry during worship. You are so aware of what He has done for you." He didn't help beause I told him, my grandpa bombed and killed Americans at Pearl Harbor and he said "Honey, that was so long ago. That is silly to feel guilty of something you were not even born yet." I have never been so emotional. Is this normal? Has anyone experienced this?

 

[John Davidson]

I wouldn't worry about it.

I think deep down inside you are probably aware of your sin and what the savior did for you.

It's normal to cry occasionally at church.

As you're sensitive to the Holy Spirit prompting your heart tears can easily be produced.

 

[faroukfarouk]

When I was in church over memorial day weekend, there were some old war veteran's and their families. They sat in front of me. When the pastor was reading the book of John, and Jesus was mentioned, my eyes started to well up, and I started to cry. Everyone around me, makeup all smeared on my face. I felt embarrassed. Then this old man with a Pearl Harbor Survivor hat on said, "You are experiencing his presence that some can't help but cry during worship. You are so aware of what He has done for you." He didn't help beause I told him, my grandpa bombed and killed Americans at Pearl Harbor and he said "Honey, that was so long ago. That is silly to feel guilty of something you were not even born yet." I have never been so emotional. Is this normal? Has anyone experienced this?

Don't worry; just re-apply plenty of make up and remember that what the Lord Jesus endured at the Cross for sinners (Philippians 2.5-11) was by far greater than what military victims of war have endured, immense though this has been.

 

[ともこ]

the Lord Jesus endured at the Cross for sinners (Philippians 2.5-11) was by far greater than what military victims of war have endured, immense though this has been.

Luke 23:34 "Father forgive them, for they do not know what they're doing." If Jesus could forgive those who were blaspheming against him and his executioners. It only makes sense we should too. That old WWII veteran said "it makes the heart and spirit grow cold and bitter when we don't forgive. Hate is bad for the health. Japan next to Israel is probably our best ally."

 

[faroukfarouk]

Luke 23:34 "Father forgive them, for they do not know what they're doing." If Jesus could forgive those who were blaspheming against him and his executioners. It only makes sense we should too. That old WWII veteran said "it makes the heart and spirit grow cold and bitter when we don't forgive. Hate is bad for the health. Japan next to Israel is probably our best ally."

Good thoughts. I'm Canadian actually. I read of a British ex-prisoner of war who was held by the Japanese in WW2 and after the war he became a driving instructor. One day, some employees of a Japanese firm came to him for driving lessons and at first he found it difficult; but then he reflected, How long must I let my feelings get the better of me? it's a new generation now and my problem was with what the previous generation did.

I agree with your reference to Luke 23.34. It's always good to keep a Godward perspective.

 

[grandvizier1006]

This story sounds very moving to me. That vet fully understood Christ's forgiveness if he was willing to forgive your grandfather--I thought a number of WWII vets sort of kept their prejudices, not out of spite but just because fighting "the enemy" was a defining moment in their lives. I think you should be grateful for getting to experience something like this. What better sermon on Memorial Day could you have then to understand forgiveness?

 

[faroukfarouk]

This story sounds very moving to me. That vet fully understood Christ's forgiveness if he was willing to forgive your grandfather--I thought a number of WWII vets sort of kept their prejudices, not out of spite but just because fighting "the enemy" was a defining moment in their lives. I think you should be grateful for getting to experience something like this. What better sermon on Memorial Day could you have then to understand forgiveness?

Seen in the broader, spiritual perspective and relating it to the Person and work of Christ, it can be a moving lesson, yes.

 

[tdidymas]

When I was in church over memorial day weekend, there were some old war veteran's and their families. They sat in front of me. When the pastor was reading the book of John, and Jesus was mentioned, my eyes started to well up, and I started to cry. Everyone around me, makeup all smeared on my face. I felt embarrassed. Then this old man with a Pearl Harbor Survivor hat on said, "You are experiencing his presence that some can't help but cry during worship. You are so aware of what He has done for you." He didn't help beause I told him, my grandpa bombed and killed Americans at Pearl Harbor and he said "Honey, that was so long ago. That is silly to feel guilty of something you were not even born yet." I have never been so emotional. Is this normal? Has anyone experienced this?

Sometimes we have mixed emotions that make us cry. I usually chalk it up as inspiration.
TD

 

[paul1149]

There's an amazing story out of Pearl Harbor. The lead Japanese pilot, who was present for all three raids, had several brushes with death, including just missing Hiroshima. After Japan was defeated he lost morale and started drinking heavily. The war trials began and this embittered him even more. During the trials, he came across the testimonies of two American Christians who were able to forgive their enemy and who even came to Japan to help rebuild the nation. This astonished the pilot. He understood warrior honor and spiritual power, but nothing he had ever encountered gave the power to forgive one's enemies and set the heart free. He made arrangements to meet with the second Christian, who also was a pilot, who had been one of Doolittle's Raiders, and had been captured and tortured and seen his friends killed. He learned of the gospel and the power of Christ to change the heart, and he bowed his heart to this greater power. He went on to become a lifelong evangelist for Christ.

Some of the story is here.

 

[Daydream Island]

... I cry ALL the time in church, reading the bible with friends, praying...... So much that if I don't I feel like something isn't right anymore
You're not the only one, some people can't help but crumble and cry .. I get very emotional