According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the expression “tender-hearted” means “easily moved to love, pity, or sorrow; compassionate and impressionable. It can also be described as soft-hearted or sympathetic, indicating a gentle and caring nature.” From this we can see to be tender-hearted or to have a tender heart is to have one that is touchable and therefore responsive to what it is exposed.
Following the reign of two of the worst kings of Judah (Manasseh and Amon), Josiah began to reign at the tender age of eight and was noted for doing what was right in the eyes of the LORD. (2 Chronicles 34:1-2) And in the eighth year of his reign he was noted as seeking the God of David and clearing the nation of idolatry. (2 Chronicles 34:3) Then in the eighteenth year of his reign, when directing the repairing of the house of the LORD, the book of the law was found. (2 Chronicles 34:15) When the book of the Law was read to Josiah, he immediately responded with sorrow and sent for inquiry of the LORD to be made. (2 Chronicles 34:19-21) Though punishment would come upon the nation for having forsaken God (2 Chronicles 34:24-25), the message for Josiah was. . .
“(26) But to the king of Judah, who sent you to inquire of the Lord, thus shall you say to him, Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: Regarding the words that you have heard, (27) because your heart was tender and you humbled yourself before God when you heard his words against this place and its inhabitants, and you have humbled yourself before me and have torn your clothes and wept before me, I also have heard you, declares the Lord. (28) Behold, I will gather you to your fathers, and you shall be gathered to your grave in peace, and your eyes shall not see all the disaster that I will bring upon this place and its inhabitants.” (2 Chronicles 34:26-28 ESV)
Josiah was noted for possessing a tender heart. That was a mark of his spiritual character. He was duly touched to respond immediately to the message of God which was in great contrast to the hard-heartedness that sadly marks the character of so many in the world.
What marks our heart? Are we remaining tender-hearted toward God to appropriately respond with repentance for any departure from His Will to then eagerly turn in acceptance of the redirection He provides? Every time we are exposed to God’s Word, may we duly respond with a tender heart to the exposed life (i.e. Hebrews 4:12-13) before Him as we are encouraged to where His Will ultimately leads!
Have a great day RETAINING A TENDER HEART TOWARD GOD!
Carl
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