Tenderhearted

I heard of someone who made unwise choices throughout his life and ended up in a heap of troubles.

He reaped what he sowed, I thought. Simple as that.

After pondering this man’s situation another minute or two, I questioned why I felt so untouched for him. My heart was hard toward this person and his plight. Why had my heart arrived at such a place?

I remember having a tender heart when I was younger; I was very compassionate and forgiving. But as the years have passed, I sense my heart has somewhat hardened.

My mom tells the story of being a young girl and going barefoot each summer. At the beginning of the summer her feet would be tender, but as time passed, her feet would toughen and become calloused. By the end of the summer she could walk on gravel without pain.

I believe we all begin this life with a tender heart, but as the days go by, this can change. Problems come to all of us and how we respond to them has a direct effect on our hearts. Do we keep our hearts tender or allow them to toughen as a way of dealing with pain?

“Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior.

Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”  

Ephesians 4:31, 32 (NLT)

Instead of responding negatively, we can receive God’s love and forgiveness for ourselves, and then share these things with others. No matter what condition our hearts are in today, the Lord can soften them and give us compassion for one another.

“Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude.”

1 Peter 3:8 (NLT)

Tenderhearted. This is the type of heart-condition I want to have.