We all have things we don’t like too much about ourselves. Things we consider to be “weaknesses” and “flaws”…

But what if the very root of some of these qualities could be something the Lord actually created within us, intentionally? Originally created and intended to be good things, to be used for His purpose. Maybe we’ve allowed these things to get twisted or to be used in the wrong way at the wrong time, or perhaps taken too far. Or maybe we even try to push these things away completely. Sometimes we try to run.

For me, I’ve never been too fond of being “sensitive”. It can be embarrassing, it can be vulnerable, it can hurt deeply because it’s “feeling deeply”. It can surely be twisted and it can certainly be taken too far when it goes in the wrong direction.

Do you remember the cartoon, “Care Bears”? As a kid I related most to “Tenderheart Bear”.

How many times I’ve heard, “Oh don’t be so sensitive!” or “aww she’s tender-hearted, poor thing, bless her heart!” — the truth is, it can be seen as a weakness in this world. Sometimes it sure does feel like a weakness, doesn’t it? Sometimes we want it to just go away.

But did you know that the Lord encourages us to be “tender-hearted”? It’s something He had in mind for us. It was created to be a good thing in us.

“Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.” – 1 Peter 3:8

“Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” – Ephesians 4:22

When you think of God, do you often think of Him as “sensitive” and “tenderhearted”?

“Because of the tender mercy of our God, With which the Sunrise from on high will visit us” – Luke 1:78

“The LORD’S lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, For His compassions never fail.” – Lamentations 3:22

Sensitivity is a beautiful quality of the character of the Lord. He’s tender toward us.

Jeremiah 31:3 says, “The LORD appeared to him from afar, saying, “I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore I have drawn you with lovingkindness.”

He cares for us. He cares deeply.

“When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her also weeping, He was deeply moved in spirit and was troubled, and said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to Him, “Lord, come and see.” Jesus wept. So the Jews were saying, “See how He loved him!” – John 11:33-36

Father, help us to be who You’ve created us to be. Help us to see the qualities You’ve placed within us and use them for good –for You, for Your purpose. Thank You for caring for us, for being tender and loving and kind toward us. Teach us how to be.

-Heather ?