Morning by Morning, September 13 - “Be Tenderhearted”
Good morning, Lord Jesus. I stand in awe of You -- the One to whom all praise is do. ...
As I listen for the leading of Your Holy Spirit this morning, I hear in my heart these words -- “Be tenderhearted. Don’t be afraid to be tender of heart, even as you are strong in the Spirit.” ...
Yes, Lord. As I seek Your written Word to test and confirm what I believe to be Your spoken word, I remember Your teaching through the Apostle Peter -- one who was strong in the Spirit, but also tender of heart:
“Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing. For
‘He who would love life
And see good days,
Let him refrain his tongue from evil,
And his lips from speaking deceit.
Let him turn away from evil and do good;
Let him seek peace and pursue it.
For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,
And His ears are open to their prayers;
But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.’
And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. ‘And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.’ But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil” (1 Peter 3:8-12).
Being “tenderhearted” has nothing to do with receiving our salvation, which is by grace, through faith alone (Romans 3:28; Ephesians 2:8). But being “tenderhearted” has everything to do with having the mind of Christ, hearing the heart of the Father, and living out our salvation in the Spirit. None of that is by our own wisdom or power, but by Yours alone, by the abiding Presence of Your Spirit living in us, changing us, making us more like You every day. “For it is God who works in (us) both to will and to do for His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13).
I have a friend who almost always comes to tears when he reads Your Word out-loud. I have another friend almost always trembles when he stands to pray out-loud. Both are very strong in the Spirit, yet very tender in their heart. By Your grace, they’re living into the command of Your Word, “Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand” (Philippians 4:5).
Lord, make me more tender of heart, more sensitive to Your Spirit. Soften my heart of stone wherever it’s grown hard or weary or defensive through the daily journey of living out my faith in this challenging world (Ezekiel 36:26; Romans 2:29). This is “the mind of Christ” and this is the heart of Christ (Philippians 2:5).
Thank You, Lord, for Your heart that You have poured into me and that You keep forming in me, as I keep opening my heart to You. “The love of God has been poured out into our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us” (Romans 5:5). By the power of Your grace at work within me, You’ll keep making more tenderhearted even as You make me more strong in the Spirit. Just as You promised, He who began a good work in me will be faithful to complete it (Philippians 1:6). In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen
Be encouraged today! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays
My friend, may you be filled with awe in the reverent fear of the Lord, full of joyful expectation of all He has set before you, as you choose well in the freedom He give, in Jesus' name. Please pray the same for me. God bless you, my friend!
Tommy & Rocio Hays | Messiah Ministries
Mailing Address:
Messiah Ministries
412 S. Adams Street #148
Fredericksburg, Texas 78624
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