How can we "sigh and groan" over today's abominations in our society?
Setting the Scene:Ezekiel 9:4
“and the LORD said to him, ‘Go throughout the city of Jerusalem and put a mark on the foreheads of the men who sigh and groan over all the abominations committed there.’” (Ezekiel 9:4)
• In Ezekiel’s vision, judgment is about to fall on Jerusalem.
• God singles out those who feel deep anguish over sin; they receive His protective mark.
• The verse shows that heartfelt grief over evil is not optional—it is noticed and honored by God.
What Does It Mean to “Sigh and Groan”?• An inner ache that surfaces outwardly—an involuntary response to wickedness.
• Not mere irritation but holy sorrow, springing from love for God’s glory and people’s good.
• A continual posture, not a one-time reaction; Ezekiel’s verb tense points to ongoing grief.
Why God Honors This Response• It proves our hearts align with His holiness (Isaiah 6:3).
• It guards us from apathy; indifference invites compromise (Romans 12:9).
• It positions us to intercede; sorrow fuels prevailing prayer (Nehemiah 1:4).
• It mirrors Christ, who “wept” over Jerusalem (Luke 19:41).
Practical Ways to Sigh and Groan Today1. Stay informed without becoming numb:
– Read news prayerfully; filter it through Scripture, not cynicism.
2. Name the abominations honestly:
– Disregard for life (Proverbs 6:17).
– Sexual immorality celebrated as freedom (1 Corinthians 6:18-20).
– Injustice and oppression (Isaiah 10:1-2).
– Idolatry of self, money, and power (1 John 2:16).
3. Let the Word shape your emotions:
– Invite texts likePsalm 119:136 andJeremiah 9:1 to soften your heart.
4. Fast from entertainment that normalizes sin; replace it with worship and service.
5. Express lament corporately—hymns, confession readings, solemn assemblies.
6. Channel grief into tangible mercy: volunteer at crisis-pregnancy centers, foster care, homeless outreach, anti-trafficking efforts.
7. Speak truth in love: call sin what it is while offering the gospel remedy (Ephesians 4:15).
Holding Sorrow and Hope Together• Sorrow: “Rivers of tears flow from my eyes, because Your law is not obeyed.” (Psalm 119:136)
• Hope: “Where sin abounded, grace abounded much more.” (Romans 5:20)
• We lament present evil while trusting Christ will “make all things new” (Revelation 21:5).
• This tension keeps us useful—neither crushed by despair nor dulled by optimism.
Scriptures That Fuel Our Response•2 Peter 2:7-8—Lot “was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard.”
•Habakkuk 1:2-4—The prophet’s complaint over violence and injustice.
•James 4:8-10—“Grieve, mourn, and weep… He will lift you up.”
•Romans 8:22-23—Creation and believers “groan” awaiting redemption.
The Fruit of Faithful Lament• Personal holiness deepens; sin loses appeal.
• Compassion for sinners grows; we remember we too needed rescue.
• Courage to stand counter-culture strengthens.
• The church shines as a “light in the world” (Philippians 2:15).
• Above all, God is glorified when His people feel what He feels and act as He commands.
