“Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.” 1 Peter 3:8 (ESV). This simple verse is jam-packed with godly qualities we each need, but none more important than “a tender heart”. A tender heart accepts God’s commands, but a stubborn heart is a fool’s heart. So how do we develop a tender heart? Foolishness can be easily overthrown with the steady effort of one step of obedience at a time; “But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed,” Romans 6:17 (ESV). Each successive surrender tenderizes our hardened heart and soon, His desires and commands become our daily bread. Lord, help me to lay aside rationalizations and cover-ups. Soften my heart to Your promptings that wisdom may prevail.
A serious pursuit of godliness requires an equally serious renunciation of worldliness. Too often, we measure spirituality with false scales. While being wisely selective with our public vices we are less so with our private attitudes and perspectives. In reality, it is the thoughts and intents of the heart where the greatest battles must be waged; our actions will ultimately align with the condition of our hearts. Lord God, You know me inside out, You are not fooled by human facades. Plow my heart with Your Word and Spirit and leave nothing unturned. Refresh my inward man that I may outwardly glorify You in all places at all times.
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