The God Who Grieves

Genesis 6.1-10

What comes to mind when you think of the emotions of God? Contrary to many religions and to our misconceptions of God, God is full of emotions. In fact, if God were not full of emotions, then we as humans would not be able to experience a range and depth of emotions since we are created in his image. Unlike humanity, however, God is in full control over his emotions and these emotions do not imply any kind of change, weakness, or imperfection on God's character.

Thus far, the opening chapters of Scripture have hinted at some emotions of God. He has a sense of joy and pride over his creation, he is empathetic toward humanity, and he is pleased when individuals "walk" with him. In this chapter, Scripture provides the first explicit emotion of God and it is quite surprising to see what is revealed: God grieves.

In this sermon, we will learn why out of all things, it is grief (and not wrath, disappointment, frustration, love, etc.) that is revealed about God. Grief invites us to come before him in repentance; moreover, grief implies the intense level of commitment and investment that God has toward his people, which is most fully captured in the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

The opposite of grieving the Lord is pleasing him, which we already see in the way that Enoch "walked" with the Lord (Gen 5.24; cf. 6.8-9). Walking with someone implies that there is trust and obedience. May the Spirit stir our hearts toward repentance so that we may walk with the Lord by trusting and obeying him in all aspects of our lives.