“This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn nor weep.” For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the Law. Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:9-10

The people of Nehemiah’s day wept when they heard the Law, not because it was so beautiful, but because it was so damning. Nehemiah encouraged the people to stop weeping, to rejoice that they had God’s law (to know what God expects), and to joyfully engage in charity and obedience.

What should be the reaction of we who not only have God’s law (which condemns) but also the Gospel of Jesus Christ by which we are forgiven, and delivered from the Law’s curse?

First, let us weep for joy over the Gospel’s liberation. While all are not given to shedding actual tears, those who are not moved by the gospel in light of the Law may not have understood the Gospel.

Second, no one has or ever will be right with God because of their obedience or charitable acts. The only way to be right with God is through faith in Jesus Christ and in what He has done for us by taking our sin and guilt upon Himself on the cross. We who have received His gift of forgiveness are to be employed with joyful obedience and charitable deeds—not to gain God’s approval, but because He has made us acceptable through simple faith in Christ.

So, hear the Law and the Gospel. React in joy and in grateful obedience. It is the fitting response by those who get it.