Topical Bible: The Heart: should be Tender

◄ The Heart: should be Tender ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical literature, the heart is often seen as the center of human emotion, will, and intellect. It is the seat of moral and spiritual life, reflecting one's true character and intentions. A tender heart, in the biblical sense, is one that is responsive to God's will, compassionate towards others, and open to spiritual growth and transformation.

Biblical References:

1. Ezekiel 36:26 : "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." This passage highlights God's promise to transform the hearts of His people, replacing their hardened hearts with tender, responsive ones. A heart of flesh symbolizes sensitivity to God's guidance and a willingness to follow His commandments.

2. Psalm 51:17 : "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, You will not despise." Here, King David acknowledges that God values a heart that is humble and repentant. A tender heart is one that recognizes its own sinfulness and seeks God's mercy and forgiveness.

3. Matthew 5:8 : "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God." Jesus emphasizes the importance of purity of heart, which involves sincerity, integrity, and a genuine desire to live according to God's will. A tender heart is one that is free from deceit and open to divine revelation.

4. Colossians 3:12 : "Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience." The Apostle Paul encourages believers to cultivate a tender heart characterized by compassion and kindness. Such a heart reflects the nature of Christ and fosters unity and love within the Christian community.

5. Hebrews 3:15 : "As it has been said: 'Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion.'" This exhortation warns against the dangers of a hardened heart, which resists God's voice and leads to spiritual rebellion. A tender heart remains open and obedient to God's call.

Theological Implications:

A tender heart is essential for a vibrant and authentic relationship with God. It is through a tender heart that believers can experience the fullness of God's love and grace. Such a heart is marked by a deep sensitivity to the Holy Spirit's leading and a readiness to respond to God's commands with joy and obedience.

In the context of community, a tender heart fosters empathy and compassion towards others. It enables believers to bear one another's burdens and to extend grace and forgiveness, reflecting the love of Christ. A tender heart is also crucial for effective ministry, as it allows individuals to connect with others on a deeper level and to serve with genuine care and concern.

Practical Application:

Cultivating a tender heart requires intentional spiritual practices such as prayer, meditation on Scripture, and regular self-examination. Believers are encouraged to seek God's help in softening their hearts and to remain vigilant against the influences that can lead to hardness of heart, such as pride, bitterness, and unforgiveness.

In daily life, a tender heart manifests in acts of kindness, generosity, and service. It involves being attentive to the needs of others and responding with love and compassion. By nurturing a tender heart, believers can more fully embody the character of Christ and be effective witnesses to His transformative power.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ephesians 4:32
And be you kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake has forgiven you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

He Maketh Me to Lie Down
... I trust the Shepherd; therefore my heart is not afraid, and I shall lie down
safely. ... I should forget the tender grass. But he is watching. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/naylor/heart talks/talk four he maketh me.htm

The Stony Heart Removed
... To complete the picture, in the tender heart there is a tenderness of the affections. ...
The hard heart is selfish, cold, stolid. "Why should I weep for sin? ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 8 1863/the stony heart removed.htm

"The Tender Mercy of Our God"
... tender mercy" is the most exquisite form of it, especially to a broken heart. ... you
with wonder, for an instant, that one so great should be so tender; for we ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 32 1886/the tender mercy of our.htm

Preface
... pleasure of the Father that in Him should all the ... Him face to face, heart to heart,
and find ... all human maladies and diseases, the tender, compassionate Friend ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/preface.htm

The Beginning of Miracles.
... How many children are troubled in heart that Jesus should have spoken to ... What word
so full of grace and tender imagings to any true man as that one word! ...
/.../macdonald/miracles of our lord/ii the beginning of miracles.htm

God's Patient Pleadings
... God's tender and unwearied efforts ... not this abominable thing that I hate!' His hatred
of it is adduced as a reason which should touch any heart that loves ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/gods patient pleadings.htm

He Maketh Me to Lie Down in Pastures of Tender Grass; He Leadeth ...
... He had promised them, and of all their heart's desires ... and assist our enemies also;
not only should evil deeds ... stood in perilous need of a shepherd's tender care ...
//christianbookshelf.org/callan/the shepherd of my soul/iv he maketh me to.htm

The Wilderness State
... those "bowels of mercies" for the sheep that are lost, " that tender "compassion
for ... to the Lord;" and that, although this pride of heart should not appear ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 46 the wilderness state.htm

On Temptation
... have still the remains of an evil heart, ever prone ... Yea, it may be, should God see
good to permit ... to resist it; not only his mercy, " that tender mercy which ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 82 on temptation.htm

Parting Counsels
... Parting words should be tender and solemn ... of the Apostle, even in his letters; much
more is it to be looked for in such an outpouring of his heart to trusted ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/parting counsels.htm