Tenderly Tough

“But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God; in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,” (2 Corinthians 6:4)

The pads of his paws were soft and smooth, like velvet. That was when he first arrived at his new home. Because of the terrain Scout now travels—a limestone driveway and woodsy terrain filled with pinecones, logs, sticks, stickers, and briars—his paws have adjusted. They now resemble fine-grit sandpaper. His new way of life toughened him up.

New believers in Christ enter a new home, with a new family and a new way of life. Surroundings may look the same, yet they are different. Your heart is open to learning more about the One who saved your soul from eternal destruction and the importance of treating others as you would have them treat you. Your heart is tender, moldable, and teachable.

Believers growing in the knowledge of Christ travel different life terrains: some soft and smooth; some rocky and steep; some slippery and downhill; some with well-lit paths, while others in shadows or darkness. Each terrain carries its type of “wear and tear” on us physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually—each toughening us as we journey this life. So, we should not be surprised if the world hates us; Jesus said it hated Him first (John 15:18). At times we may even face difficulties from fellow believers.

The apostle Paul was also familiar with traveling various and challenging life-roads. As he shared some of those hardships he and his co-workers endured, he testified that they proved themselves as faithful ministers of God (v. 5–12).

Although different trades of life, farmers, carpenters, and musicians of stringed instruments have at least one thing in common: callouses; the hands form callouses from the “wear and tear” of everyday activity as shields of protection. But hearts also must be guarded against an internal reaction to facing life’s challenges: building walls of calloused protection. To be a godly influence and positively influence the world around you, a toughness tempered with tenderness is helpful. But how do you avoid a calloused heart? As you live and minister tenderly tough, allow your heart to remain moldable and teachable.