Definition and Meaning:
The term "tenderhearted" refers to a disposition characterized by gentleness, compassion, and a readiness to forgive. It is an attribute that reflects a soft and empathetic heart, sensitive to the needs and feelings of others. In the biblical context, being tenderhearted is often associated with kindness, mercy, and a Christ-like attitude towards others.

Biblical References:
The concept of being tenderhearted is explicitly mentioned in the New Testament, where it is presented as a virtue that believers are encouraged to cultivate. In Ephesians 4:32 , the Apostle Paul exhorts the church: "Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you." This verse highlights the connection between tenderheartedness and forgiveness, emphasizing that just as God has shown mercy and forgiveness through Christ, believers are to extend the same grace to others.

Another reference can be found in 1 Peter 3:8 , where Peter instructs: "Finally, all of you, be like-minded and sympathetic, love as brothers, be tenderhearted and humble." Here, tenderheartedness is linked with humility and brotherly love, suggesting that a tender heart is essential for maintaining unity and harmony within the Christian community.

Theological Significance:
Tenderheartedness is a reflection of God's own nature. Throughout Scripture, God is depicted as compassionate and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love (Psalm 103:8). Believers are called to emulate these divine attributes, allowing the Holy Spirit to transform their hearts to mirror the character of Christ. A tender heart is open to the leading of the Spirit, responsive to the needs of others, and willing to forgive offenses.

Practical Application:
In practical terms, being tenderhearted involves actively seeking to understand and empathize with others. It requires a willingness to listen, to offer comfort, and to extend kindness even when it is undeserved. This quality is essential for building strong, loving relationships within the family, church, and broader community. It also plays a crucial role in conflict resolution, as a tender heart is more inclined to seek reconciliation and peace.

Challenges and Encouragement:
While tenderheartedness is a desirable trait, it can be challenging to maintain, especially in a world that often values toughness and self-interest. Believers may struggle with hardness of heart due to past hurts or disappointments. However, Scripture encourages believers to rely on God's strength and grace to cultivate a tender heart. Ezekiel 36:26 offers a promise of transformation: "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh."

In summary, tenderheartedness is a vital Christian virtue that reflects the love and mercy of God. It is a quality that believers are called to develop through the power of the Holy Spirit, enabling them to live out their faith in a way that honors God and blesses others.2155. eusplagchnos -- tenderhearted, compassionate
... tenderhearted, compassionate. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: eusplagchnos
Phonetic Spelling: (yoo'-splangkh-nos) Short Definition: tender-hearted ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2155.htm - 7k3824. lebab -- inner man, mind, will, heart
... wholeheartedly* (1), yourself (1). bethink themselves, breast, comfortably,
courage, faint, tenderhearted. From labab; the heart ...
/hebrew/3824.htm - 6k

Fifth Sunday after Trinity Exhortation to the Fruits of Faith.
... The other virtues enjoined by Peter are easily recognized""Compassionate, loving
as brethren, tenderhearted, and humbleminded" [Luther translates "friendly ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/fifth sunday after trinity exhortation.htm

"They are not Strangers, Mama"
... Hold me fast Oh, I can't go!" "Jennie" I said, "You have two little brothers in
the other world, and there are thousands of tenderhearted people over there ...
/.../they are not strangers mama.htm

The Healing of the Man Born Blind.
... was wont to sit, probably soliciting alms, perhaps in some such terms as these,
which were common at the time: Gain merit by me;' or, O tenderhearted, by me ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter ix the healing of.htm

June 21 Morning
... Father, forgive them: for they know not what they do."Be ye kind one to another,
tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath ...
/.../anonymous/daily light on the daily path/june 21 morning.htm

January 13 Evening
... one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you,
so also do ye."Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another ...
/.../anonymous/daily light on the daily path/january 13 evening.htm

June 1 Morning
... ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one
another in love."Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one ...
/.../anonymous/daily light on the daily path/june 1 morning.htm

October 15 Evening
... Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother
their trespasses."Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one ...
/.../anonymous/daily light on the daily path/october 15 evening.htm

July 6 Evening
... us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a
sweet-smelling savour."Be ye kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one ...
/.../anonymous/daily light on the daily path/july 6 evening.htm

September 29 Morning
... through his poverty might be rich."Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to
love one another."Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one ...
/.../anonymous/daily light on the daily path/september 29 morning.htm

Severinus in Germany.
... sanctification). Hard and strict as he was with himself, he was just as
tenderhearted in sympathy with the need and suffering of others. ...
/.../neander/light in the dark places/severinus in germany.htm

Tenderhearted (3 Occurrences)
...Tenderhearted (3 Occurrences). Ephesians 4:32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted,
forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you. ...
/t/tenderhearted.htm - 7k

Tender (66 Occurrences)
... Version margin "heart of mercy") for the corresponding Greek phrase splagchna eleous
("bowels of mercy") in Luke 1:78; compare "tenderhearted" for eusplagchnos ...
/t/tender.htm - 33k

Kindhearted (1 Occurrence)
... 1 Peter 3:8 In conclusion, all of you should be of one mind, quick to sympathize,
kind to the brethren, tenderhearted, lowly-minded, (See NAS). ...
/k/kindhearted.htm - 6k

Unity (9 Occurrences)
... NIV). 1 Peter 3:8 Finally, be all like-minded, compassionate, loving as
brothers, tenderhearted, courteous, (See RSV). 2 Chronicles ...
/u/unity.htm - 10k

Opposed (23 Occurrences)
... to him worthless men, base fellows, who strengthened themselves against Rehoboam
the son of Solomon, when Rehoboam was young and tenderhearted, and could not ...
/o/opposed.htm - 13k

Likeminded (4 Occurrences)
... (KJV WEY ASV). 1 Peter 3:8 Finally, 'be' ye all likeminded, compassionate,
loving as brethren, tenderhearted, humbleminded: (ASV). ...
/l/likeminded.htm - 7k

Like-minded (5 Occurrences)
... (WEB DBY WBS YLT). 1 Peter 3:8 Finally, be all like-minded, compassionate, loving
as brothers, tenderhearted, courteous, (WEB). Likeminded, ...
/l/like-minded.htm - 7k

Lowly-minded (1 Occurrence)
... 1 Peter 3:8 In conclusion, all of you should be of one mind, quick to sympathize,
kind to the brethren, tenderhearted, lowly-minded, (WEY). ...
/l/lowly-minded.htm - 6k

Withstand (22 Occurrences)
... to him worthless men, base fellows, who strengthened themselves against Rehoboam
the son of Solomon, when Rehoboam was young and tenderhearted, and could not ...
/w/withstand.htm - 13k

Irresolute (1 Occurrence)
... to him worthless men, base fellows, who strengthened themselves against Rehoboam
the son of Solomon, when Rehoboam was young and tenderhearted, and could not ...
/i/irresolute.htm - 6k

What does the Bible say about empathy? | GotQuestions.org

How can I turn all my worries and problems over to God? | GotQuestions.org

What is the meaning of the Parable of the Unforgiving / Unmerciful Servant? | GotQuestions.org

Tenderhearted: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus