When we read the Scriptures, we are often reminded of the different ways people respond to God’s Word. Some are moved to repentance, while others remain indifferent. One of the most beautiful responses we see in the Bible is that of King Josiah. The Bible tells us that Josiah had a “tender heart” when he heard the Law of God (2 Chronicles 34:27). But what does it mean to have a tender heart, and why is it so important?
A Heart Sensitive to God
A tender heart is a heart that is sensitive to God’s Word and His will. It feels the weight of sin and mourns over it, not just because of its consequences but because it offends the holiness of God. Such a heart is humble, pliable, and quick to respond to God’s commands.
In contrast, a hard heart is stubborn and resistant. It refuses to acknowledge guilt or respond to correction. A tender heart, on the other hand, is like fertile soil that eagerly receives the seed of God’s Word and bears fruit in obedience.
Josiah’s story shows us the marks of a tender heart. When he heard the Law being read, he didn’t dismiss it or try to justify himself. Instead, he humbled himself, tore his clothes in sorrow, and sought the Lord with all his heart. This is the kind of heart God desires in all of us—a heart that trembles at His Word (Isaiah 66:2).
The Danger of Spiritual Insensitivity
The opposite of a tender heart is a hard heart. Hardness of heart is dangerous because it numbs us to God’s voice. Over time, it leads to spiritual blindness and rebellion. This is why Scripture repeatedly warns against hardening our hearts (Hebrews 3:7-8).
But how does a heart become hard? It often starts with small acts of resistance—ignoring God’s conviction, neglecting prayer, or dismissing His Word. Each act of disobedience adds another layer of callousness until the heart becomes like stone, unable to feel or respond to God’s grace.
Josiah’s tender heart is a warning to us. If we neglect to keep our hearts soft and open to God, we risk becoming like those who hear His Word but refuse to change.
Tenderness Is a Work of Grace
A tender heart is not something we can create in ourselves. It is the work of God’s Spirit, who softens our hearts through His Word and draws us to Christ. Left to ourselves, our hearts are naturally hard and unresponsive. But God promises to give His people new hearts—hearts of flesh instead of stone (Ezekiel 36:26).
This means we must rely on God’s grace to cultivate tenderness in our hearts. We do this by exposing ourselves to His Word, seeking His presence in prayer, and asking the Spirit to shape us into the image of Christ.
Why a Tender Heart Matters
God delights in a tender heart because it reflects true humility and faith. A tender heart grieves over sin, but it also rejoices in God’s mercy. It is quick to repent, eager to obey, and always ready to seek God’s will.
Josiah’s story reminds us that a tender heart leads to action. His sorrow over sin didn’t stop with tears—it moved him to reform the nation, restore true worship, and lead his people back to God. This is the fruit of a tender heart: it doesn’t just feel, it acts.
Conclusion
A tender heart is one of the greatest gifts God can give us. It is a sign of His Spirit working in us, drawing us closer to Himself. If you find your heart growing cold or indifferent, turn to God and ask Him to renew your tenderness toward Him. He is always ready to hear and respond to those who seek Him with humility and faith.
As we begin this journey into understanding what it means to have a tender heart, let us follow Josiah’s example. Let us tremble at God’s Word, repent of our sins, and seek to live lives that are fully pleasing to Him. For a tender heart is not only a blessing to us but a joy to the God who made us.
Adapted from Richard Sibbes’ “The Tender Heart”, chapter 1.
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