A Welcomed Reminder

"Be tender hearted."

How I love a tender heart.

I am absolutely star-struck when I witness a tender heart. I succumb to adulation, am moved to admiration. I am challenged to do better myself. I long to emulate, imitate, and grow up to be like them.

Gentle and meek and humble, it is an aspect of brotherly love with which, when seen in action, I am smitten and enamored.

And God says we are called to this. He faithfully reminded me this very morning:

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.  

Don't repay evil for evil. Don't retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and He will bless you for it.

It is His spoken will for us, His desire for His people. This is His heart and He longs for us to be like Him.

"Be tenderhearted."

Soft, malleable, breakable. The opposite of hardhearted.

Let us be moved with compassion for one another, even if insults have come our way, or unfair sentiments or disparaging words. Let us ask God to help us see the heart of those who spoke such words. What brokenness and hurt reside in that brother or sister? How should I pray for them? What words of hope and healing might I be privileged to speak in return not only to them but about them? How might I bless that damaged heart, how might I address the fear or sorrow revealed by such unkind words or nearsighted vision?

We can be vessels of grace, consolation, and comfort.

Tender hearted.