Peter admonishes us to display the attributes of a born-again follower of Jesus. While unity of mind does not mean we all think the same simultaneous thoughts, it instead instructs us to collectively think with the renewed mind of Christ. We are to have pity and feel sorrow when others experience misfortune, loving them as our own family. We are to have a modest or low estimate of our own importance. And we are to have a kind, gentle, and sentimental nature – a tender heart. It is here many of us struggle. We are to be meek, not weak.
For there is also the potential of being too soft. And there are gathered unto him vain men, the children of Belial, and have strengthened themselves against Rehoboam the son of Solomon, when Rehoboam was young and tenderhearted, and could not withstand them. (2Ch 13:7 KJV). Due to Rehoboam’s tenderheartedness – his gentle and timid nature, instead of the toughness and resilience he needed – the kingdom was divided in two. In this case, Rehoboam’s softness was out of place and led to disaster for those he was elevated to protect and lead.
Scripture also tells us, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, (Eph 3:16 NKJ) and In the day when I cried out, You answered me, And made me bold with strength in my soul. (Psa 138:3 NKJ).
Tenderhearted or toughminded? Yes. God wants us to be both. But each at the proper time. Our model is Jesus who had wisdom for each situation. He was toughminded enough to transcend the world and take charge when necessary (overturning the moneychanger’s tables), but tenderhearted enough to have love and sympathy (raising Jairus’s daughter) as we should be also.
Lord, give us wisdom to act rightly in every situation, demonstrating firmness and kindness, strength and mercy, as you demonstrated to us. Amen.
-RG