"Having a soft heart in a cruel world is courage, not weakness."
I love everything about this quote. It speaks truth boldly. The world will always send us messages; not all are accurate.
Strength can be shown in many ways. One of the most special strengths is a soft heart when the world can be so cruel. So, in another example paradox in the Spiritual realm, softness is actually strength.
When Lazarus was dead, Mary and Martha were angry he waited too long to come and heal their brother. How could Jesus, who was a close personal friend, abandon them in the time of their greatest need? It seemed he did.
When Jesus completed the work he was doing and headed to Bethany, he was met on the road by Martha, and eventually, Mary came out of the house, too. Mary collapsed at Jesus's feet. She knew if he had come sooner, Lazarus would not be in the grave. Jesus felt her hurt and he responded.
"Jesus wept." -John 11:35
Jesus felt a wave of many emotions. Read them carefully in John 11. There is much to learn from how Jesus responded to the situation. He had mixed emotions, too. He knew his own power and abilities. He longed for those who knew Him best to trust his hand and God's plan. Yes, so many feelings.
Jesus responded, “Didn’t I tell you that you would see God’s glory if you believe?” -John 11:35
Feelings and emotions will fail us and betray us, but Jesus never will. God designed us to weep with those who are hurting. This is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Be tenderhearted with the hurting. In the tears that appear to be weakness, there is God infused strength.
Today, I am grateful for the paradox of the tender heart.
No comments:
Post a Comment