Speak tenderly

Isaiah 40:2

“Speak tenderly to Jerusalem. Tell her that her sad days are gone and her sins are pardoned. Yes, the LORD has punished her twice over for all her sins.”

This verse is a much loved one which we can turn to in times when we've been on the receiving end of some harsh words or conflict.

It lovingly reveals the heart of God towards His people - promises forgiveness and pardon for wrongs committed.

Believe it or not, we ALL need to be forgiven. No one joins the human race without tripping and falling on the way!

Most of all, we need forgiveness for ignoring or even cursing God.

To those broken-hearted for past sins, there are tender words from the Lord.

Dogs are very good at picking up the tone behind our words. They know immediately if we are cross or if we are pleased with them. After being told off for a wrong, they are so willing to return to our side, with wagging tail, as soon as we offer the words of forgiveness.

How wonderful for us, when we expect to be chided, that we receive kind, healing words emanating from a compassionate heart.

As believers and ambassadors for Jesus, we are called to adopt the same tender attitude when we deal with one another. That call to "speak tenderly" will reap enormous rewards eventually.

Out of the blue, while walking the dog this morning, I heard that inner voice: "speak tenderly". Perhaps that is what God is calling us to at the moment. There has been a long, drawn out time of sadness and isolation. People need hope, solace and kind words.

It struck me the other day that, many people I pass in the street, whilst out walking, have blank, expressionless or even fearful faces [sometimes masked up]!

We need to smile and project the love of Jesus as we pass by - people need Hope - and we are the ones who can communicate it, because we hold this treasure in our all too frail hearts!

Hosea 2:14-15

“But then I will win her back once again. I will lead her into the desert and speak tenderly to her there. I will return her vineyards to her and transform the Valley of Trouble into a gateway of hope. She will give herself to me there, as she did long ago when she was young, when I freed her from her captivity in Egypt.

Perhaps this desert time of lockdown has been used by the Lord, in an attempt to woo us back to Himself with tender words.

Matthew 11:28-29

28 Come to me and I will give you rest—all of you who work so hard beneath a heavy yoke. Wear my yoke—for it fits perfectly—and let me teach you; for I am gentle and humble, and you shall find rest for your souls; for I give you only light burdens.”