In my own life experiences, I have struggled with addressing various issues with a hardened heart. In our world today, we know how to power up, and to tell it like it is, feeling like we have to always be tough on the outside. Today, I want to challenge you to soften your heart! First soften your heart to God, then to your friends and co-workers. If you are married, soften your heart to your spouse, your kids if you have any, or your parents. God has good things in store for you, but our hearts must be softened to fully receive them.

Suffering through bad experiences can indeed make us feel despondent and discouraged. Maybe in your childhood, you were bullied at school. Maybe you were disrespected and treated badly by a parent or a sibling. Perhaps you had an ex-spouse who decided it was ok to hurt, shame, or manipulate you. But no matter the cause, you felt walked on and eventually you just said I can’t take this anymore. Before you know it, a hardened heart appears inside of you. The callousness you feel is not something you cherish or like about yourself. The hardened heart can be something that you feel helps you endure and stay safe from being walked on or damaged. This is something I understand.

Can I encourage you, my friend? Today is a day to get freedom from the hardened heart. Forgive people and watch how it frees you. We need to say, “Lord, I want to become a tough-minded person who exercises a tender heart, gentleness, love, and kindness. I want to be a person who exercises mercy.” This will allow you to receive all the good that God has in store for you; a life full of joy! Don’t miss out on all the positives that life has to offer. Allow God to soften your heart today.