Colossians 3:12,13 Being Tender
“Since you have been chosen by God who has given you this new kind of life, and because of his great love and concern for you, you should practice tender-hearted mercy and kindness to others. Don’t worry about making a good impression on them, but be ready to suffer quietly and patiently. Be gentle and ready to forgive, never hold grudges. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others” (TLB).
I was attracted to the tender light green ends of the branches above. They are the most tender, and because they are at the very end of the branches, they are also the most vulnerable. In the Scripture above we are told that we are to “practice tender-hearted mercy and kindness to others.” God has the right to ask that of us because of the great love and patience He has shown us. But if I do that, I will be vulnerable and easily hurt. That’s right, but the Scripture also tells us to “suffer quietly and patiently.” That seems like a lot to ask of us, but then, that’s a lot of love He has shown us. Just ask Jesus about suffering quietly and patiently. He did all of that, and He did it for me and for you. He did it so that we could enjoy eternal life with Him in heaven. When I think about Jesus’ suffering, I find it harder to complain about the hurts that I might receive by showing a tender heart to those who need understanding or mercy. And when I am hurt by others. I am to “be gentle and ready to forgive, never holding grudges.” I must forgive because I have been forgiven.
There are many people in this world who are in great need of a tenderhearted listener, one who will show kindness and mercy, and it is our joy to provide that. That may be the strongest sermon we can ever preach. A “thank you” received from someone who has been raised from despair through our actions is a fantastic reward. In the words of Jesus in Matthew 25:40, “The king will answer them, ‘I tell you this: ‘You did all these things to help other people. They were not important people, but they were my friends. When you helped them, then you helped me’” (EASY).