We have been looking at being kind to one another. Ephesians 4:32 says: "And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." Paul's instruction to us is that in addition to being kind to each other, we are also to be "tenderhearted." What is the difference between "kindness" and "tenderhearted." The word "tenderhearted" means: "well, bowel; tender-hearted, full of compassion, or pity." This is a deep felt emotion that comes from your insides. It is a physical reaction to an external stimulus. Have you ever felt a pain in your stomach when you saw something that really moved you? That is what tender hearted refers to; it is a deep felt response to a situation or a person. Whereas kindness refers to action, tenderhearted is related to your deep intense response to something.
The opposite of tenderhearted is: "unmerciful; inexorable, without mercy; hard, tough; without natural affection or family love." When we look at the opposite meaning, the picture becomes clearer. Do you show natural affection and family love for those in the body of Christ? Or, do you look for reasons to be critical without mercy? One motivated by being tenderhearted will have genuine compassion and pity for those in need. Then, that tenderheartedness will move you to commit acts of kindness fulfilling a need in their lives.
Today, examine how you feel about those around you. Do you have a tender heart toward them or are you hard and unmerciful toward them? If the latter, repent; if the former, seek to have even greater compassion for others. However, be prepared for it to hurt since it will be coming from the depths of your being? Warning, this is not a superficial walk; it requires you invest your life into the life of another. That is how Jesus walked and He expects the same from us.
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