Tender Heart

Young man suffering pain on his chest, isolated on white

I remember growing up hearing the descriptive term, “tender hearted”. It usually was describing someone who shows emotion at the “drop of a hat”. According to that definition, I became a “tender hearted” person. Sad movies make me cry. When I see someone going through hardship, it breaks my heart. I actually cry at other people’s funeral – even ones that I barely know. I can’t help but make the comparison as to how I will respond when someone close to me dies. Have a “tender heart” is probably better than a calloused heart. I believe that God has a tender heart.  In Hosea, the “object lesson” that Hosea is a part of reveals the heart of God. Check this out….

14 “So I am going to attract her;

    I will lead her into the desert

    and speak tenderly to her.
19 And I will make you my promised bride forever.

    I will be good and fair;

    I will show you my love and mercy.
20 I will be true to you as my promised bride,

    and you will know the Lord. (Hosea 2:14, 19-20 NCV)

God has a tender heart for hurting and broken people. He doesn’t seem to have much tenderness to hard-hearted, prideful and arrogant people. He is a God of justice, but He is also a tenderhearted, God of mercy and grace.

I can’t be too hard on Israel regarding their denial of God, because I’ve been there and done that. I have hurt Him with my actions and my attitude. He is so patient and full of mercy – He welcomes me back when I run home to Him.  He loves it when I extend a tender heart to others. I’m a lot like Him when I do that.

I believe that God’s tender heart should be reflected in my heart!

Pressing On!
Dwayne

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