Jesus told us, 'Love your enemies' (Matthew 5:44). A soft heart is willing to take criticism, whether it comes from a friend or even from an 'enemy'. 'A rebuke impresses a discerning person more than a hundred lashes a fool' (Proverbs 17:10).
God wants us to be gentle to others. Matthew 6:14-15 says, “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” A gentle heart comes from having love for others.
Proverbs 15:1 -- “A soft word turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
To have a soft heart is to be openhearted and from that open heart to offer compassion to yourself and others. When we have a soft heart, we refrain from judgement and criticism. We look honestly at what's before us, whether that's our own shortcomings and struggles or those of another, and we accept them with love.
Galatians 5:22–23. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. For some, gentleness can be a tough thing.
Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight. like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her master.
The Bible speaks of God as our tender Father-Mother, the loving Shepherd caring for His flock -- us. Since gentleness comes from God, it carries with it divine power. And because gentleness has its source in God, as we're more gentle we feel closer to God and can increasingly express His loving power.
very sympathetic or responsive; generous in spirit: a soft-hearted judge.
Synonyms of soft-hearted (adj. forgiving) benevolent. benign. benignant.
Proverbs 15:4
a. A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: Good words are like a tree that continually brings life from its shade and fruit. Our words have the power to do far more good than we often think.
“Therefore the Holy Spirit says, 'Today if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in rebellion ...'” (Heb. 3:7–8). In the face of great persecution, the audience of the epistle to the Hebrews was tempted to abandon Christ and return to the old covenant.
Bible Gateway Proverbs 15 :: NIV. A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly. The eyes of the LORD are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good.
Deuteronomy 30:6 In-Context
6 God, your God, will cut away the thick calluses on your heart and your children's hearts, freeing you to love God, your God, with your whole heart and soul and live, really live. 7 God, your God, will put all these curses on your enemies who hated you and were out to get you.
It is called humility, and nothing pleases the Lord more than a humble heart. Throughout Scripture we see that God delights in a humble heart. As much as He opposes pride, He rewards humility. And in Psalm 25:9 we see that humility is rewarded with God's guidance and wisdom.
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
He has promised to forgive me for my hard heart but has also promised to soften it.” Ezekiel 36:26 reveals God's desire towards men, “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and you a heart of flesh.”
According to Gordon Neufeld, a heart can only be softened with the cultivation of safe and caring attachments with others. It is relationship that offers someone the promise of safety, warmth, and dependence. It is attachment that is the antidote to facing too much separation and wounding.
Having a soft heart means we are teachable and loving. We have faith in Jesus Christ and try to become like Him. Having a hard heart means we are stubborn and unwilling to change.
Softhearted people make better choices in the society all while keeping a good humor. They make the world better, friendlier and nicer. We all need to smile through the pain sometimes and softhearted people will help you accomplish that.
A softy/softie: This is someone who may be emotional, and the type who cries at commercials for example. They may come across as soft or it may be a surprise that they are so emotional. This trait usually means that even the littlest thing can make them cry.
The Bible urges followers of Jesus to be gentle. Not only is it a fruit of the Spirit, but it is also a command in Colossians, Proverbs, and other books. Even Jesus describes himself as “gentle and lowly in heart” in Matthew 11:29.
Gentleness is a gift of the Spirit, but as a trait it is produced when a softened heart abides in Jesus. It may be a gift, but true gentleness also demands something on our parts: intention.
The Importance of Gentleness
Gentleness also helps us to build stronger relationships with others, as it allows us to communicate and resolve conflicts. As we seek to follow Christ and live out his love in the world, gentleness is an important quality to cultivate, one that can bring healing, reconciliation, and peace.