ESPN’s College GameDay returned on Saturday morning with its inspiring stories, strong insight, and analysis, as well as, good banter and fun.

During their season debut, they got serious by tackling the topic of racial and social injustice. Maria Taylor sat down with seven players and gave them the opportunity to discuss their experiences and perspectives.

Following that conversation, there was a very moving and powerful moment involving college football analyst, Kirk Herbstreit, as he responded and shared his own thoughts.

He became very emotional and was eventually brought to tears when talking about the stories and the need for empathy and having a desire to do something. Herbstreit was clearly feeling pain and not just going through the motions or giving lip service.

At the end of the very real and heartfelt segment, host Reese Davis wrapped it up by explaining the efforts of one football team and then saying, “There is hope, but the number one thing we all have to do is make sure our hearts are tender and open.”

We’ll come back to that quote, but first I want to incorporate another moment from the weekend involving Houston Texans quarterback, Deshaun Watson.

During a zoom press conference with the media and other important people in his life who congratulated him on his monster contract extension, he was overtaken by emotion and filled with tears.

I’m sure we’d all be crying tears of joy if we just signed a $160 million contract, but I believe his tears represented something much deeper than that. He’s had quite the journey, which appears to have humbled him and given him a grateful perspective.

Both he and Herbstreit made headlines over the weekend for displaying their emotions. Here they were, one of the best quarterbacks in the league and one of the best analysts in football, allowing themselves to show vulnerability and a genuine response to their feelings.

Of course, we can’t get inside either of their hearts to know exactly what was going on with them, but these men noticeably showed their tender side.

We live in a world filled with pride, arrogance, and hardened hearts that make it difficult to be filled with thankfulness, humility, and empathy.

I’m not saying that crying is always the answer or has to be the result, but I do think Reese Davis was right when he said, “…make sure our hearts are tender and open.”

This posture is especially important for us to take seriously as followers of Jesus because when we do, God can greatly work in us and we can impact others. It reminds me of the line in a great worship song, “break my heart for what breaks Yours.”

Also, when we think back on the journey God has brought us on and the many blessings we have, while also considering the hurting people around us, our hearts will be moved…and sometimes to tears.

On the flip side, people with hardened and prideful hearts have an unwillingness to be transformed, are unaware of God’s goodness, and lack a desire to care about others.

Ephesians 4:32 (AMP) tells us to “Be kind and helpful to one another, tender-hearted [compassionate, understanding], forgiving one another [readily and freely], just as God in Christ also forgave you.”

1 Peter 3:8 (ESV) says, “Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.”

A tender heart that’s rooted in humility allows us to be the spouse, parent, and friend we need to be, as we’ll be more in tune with how they’re feeling, which then affects our response.

1 Corinthians 12:26 (ESV) reminds us, “If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.”

Not only was Deshaun Watson celebrating his new contract, but so were all the other people in his life who joined him on the Zoom call. Likewise, Herbstreit’s vulnerability and emotions caused others on the show and viewers to respond similarly.

Today, let’s be mindful to check our own hearts and ask God to remove any pride, hardness, and bitterness that may be preventing us from living with a tender heart.

I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I pray You’d break my heart for what breaks Yours. Help me to have a tender heart and be filled with humility and thankfulness. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

Discussion Questions for PACKS:

1. Has anything moved you to tears lately?

2. How would you describe a tender heart and the value of having one?