The Problem of Hardness
In contrast to the beauty and humility of a tender heart, Scripture warns us about the great danger of a hard heart. A hard heart is resistant to God’s truth, indifferent to His commands, and unresponsive to His grace. Over time, it grows increasingly stubborn, until it can no longer feel conviction or sorrow over sin.
The Bible gives us many examples of hard hearts. Pharaoh in Egypt is one of the most famous. Despite witnessing God’s miraculous power through the plagues, Pharaoh refused to humble himself and let Israel go. Instead, his heart grew harder with each act of rebellion, leading to his ultimate downfall.
Hardness of heart isn’t just an ancient problem—it’s something we all must guard against. If we are not careful, we too can become spiritually numb, refusing to listen to God or change our ways.
How Hearts Become Hard
A hard heart doesn’t happen overnight. It often begins with small acts of neglect or disobedience. We ignore the Spirit’s prompting, dismiss the warnings of Scripture, or make excuses for our sins. Each time we resist God’s voice, our hearts grow a little harder.
Sin is deceitful. It lures us into thinking that we can manage it or that it won’t affect us. But the more we indulge in sin, the less sensitive we become to its seriousness. Eventually, we may find ourselves completely indifferent to God’s Word and Spirit.
The writer of Hebrews warns us about this danger: “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts” (Hebrews 3:7-8). Every time we hear God’s Word, we have a choice—either to respond with humility and repentance or to resist and grow colder.
The Consequences of a Hard Heart
A hard heart brings devastating consequences, both in this life and in eternity. First, it separates us from God. Sin creates a barrier between us and Him, and a hardened heart refuses to deal with that separation. Over time, this leads to spiritual death, as we become completely cut off from the life and joy found in Christ.
Second, a hard heart affects our relationships with others. It makes us proud, unkind, and unwilling to forgive. Instead of reflecting God’s love, we become self-centered and unloving.
Finally, a hard heart leaves us unprepared for God’s judgment. Scripture is clear that those who persist in hardness of heart will face His wrath. Pharaoh’s story is a sobering reminder of what happens when we resist God’s authority.
God’s Power to Soften Hearts
Thankfully, no heart is too hard for God to soften. He is the great Physician who can heal even the most stubborn and rebellious heart. Through His Spirit, He breaks through our resistance and replaces our stony hearts with hearts of flesh (Ezekiel 36:26).
This work often begins with the Word of God. Like a hammer that breaks rocks into pieces (Jeremiah 23:29), Scripture exposes our sin and reveals the beauty of God’s holiness. The Spirit then uses this conviction to lead us to repentance and faith.
It’s important to remember that tenderness of heart is not something we can achieve on our own. It is a gift of God’s grace, and we must depend on Him to give it to us. Our role is to come to Him in humility, asking Him to soften our hearts and make us more like Christ.
Cultivating a Soft Heart
If we want to avoid the dangers of a hard heart, we must actively seek to keep our hearts tender. Here are some practical steps:
- Examine Yourself Regularly
Take time to reflect on your spiritual condition. Ask yourself: Am I growing in love for God and others? Am I quick to repent when I sin? Am I sensitive to God’s Word and Spirit? - Confess and Forsake Sin
Don’t allow sin to take root in your heart. When the Spirit convicts you, confess your sin immediately and turn away from it. Remember that God is faithful to forgive and cleanse you when you repent (1 John 1:9). - Stay Close to God’s Word
Make a habit of reading and meditating on Scripture. The more you immerse yourself in God’s Word, the more He will use it to shape your heart and mind. - Pray for God’s Grace
Pray daily for a tender heart. Ask God to make you sensitive to His voice, humble in repentance, and eager to obey.
Conclusion
The danger of a hard heart is real, but so is the hope of a soft heart. Through His Word and Spirit, God is able to break even the hardest hearts and draw us back to Himself. Let us not take His grace for granted, but respond with humility and faith.
If you feel your heart growing cold or resistant, turn to God today. He is ready and willing to restore you, giving you a heart that is tender, humble, and full of His love.
Adapted from Richard Sibbes’ “The Tender Heart”, chapter 2.
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