(38) Tears of grace.

Now someone approached him and said, «Teacher, what good must I do to gain eternal life?» He answered him, «Why do you ask me about the good? There is only One who is good. If you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.» (Matt 19:16-17)

But God, who is rich in mercy, because of the great love he had for us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, brought us to life with Christ (by grace you have been saved), raised us up with him, and seated us with him in the heavens in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not from you; it is the gift of God; it is not from works, so no one may boast. For we are his handiwork, created in Christ Jesus for the good works that God has prepared in advance, that we should live in them. (Eph 2:4-10)

The God of all grace who called you to his eternal glory through Christ (Jesus) will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you after you have suffered a little. (1 Pet 5:10)

For our boast is this, the testimony of our conscience that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially toward you, with the simplicity and sincerity of God, (and) not by human wisdom but by the grace of God. (2Cor 1:12)

Working together, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain. For he says: «In an acceptable time I heard you, and on the day of salvation I helped you.» Behold, now is a very acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. (2 Cor 6:1-2)

My tears have been my food day and night, while they say to me all day long, “Where is your God?” (Ps 42:3)

Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you of two minds. Begin to lament, to mourn, to weep. Let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy into dejection. Humble yourselves before the Lord and he will exalt you. (James 4:8-10)