James describes repentance as weeping, lamenting, and mourning. This all sounds extreme until we get a glimpse into the holiness of God.
Imagine the most beautiful location you have ever seen in person, a place your thoroughly enjoyed. Then later finding out that somehow your actions destroyed the entire area. Or imagine your home burning to the ground while you were away and finding out the fire started by you leaving a kettle burning on the stove. Or imagine the emotional pain you would feel if somehow you were responsible for your child's death.
That is the kind of grieving James speaks of when he tells us to lament over our sinful ways (James 4:9).
