Why is it important for Christians to have a tender heart?

Having a tender heart is critically important for Christians as it positions us to be responsive to the Word of God and His leading in our lives. As seen in the life of King Josiah, a tender heart leads to humility and repentance, which are vital aspects of the Christian faith. Josiah's response to God's Word showed that a tender heart is pliable and sensitive, allowing it to receive divine instruction and correction. Without this condition of the heart, we may become hardened, unresponsive to God's voice, and easily led astray by the culture or false teachings. A tender heart is necessary not only for our personal spiritual growth but also for collectively advancing God's kingdom by evangelizing and serving others with love and grace. Therefore, it is a grace-filled response, as expressed in 2 Kings 22, that we must continually seek.