Tend:

Tending from a biblical perspective involves nurturing and caring for various aspects of life, reflecting God’s tender care for His creation. It emphasizes diligent stewardship, compassionate service, and faithful cultivation.

Throughout the Bible, tending is illustrated through teachings and parables that highlight humanity’s role as stewards of the earth. Jesus’ teachings, like the parable of the Good Shepherd, emphasize sacrificial love and dedication in caring for others. (John 10:14-18)

Tending with love and grace is central to biblical stewardship. Love motivates us to care for others with empathy, mirroring God’s unconditional love. Grace enables us to extend forgiveness and kindness, fostering reconciliation and restoration. (Ephesians 5:2) (Colossians 3:12-14)

Throughout the Bible, the concept of tending is illustrated through parables and teachings that emphasize the responsibility of caring for God’s creation. In the book of Genesis, Adam is placed in the Garden of Eden to “work it and take care of it” (Genesis 2:15)

Scriptures

“The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” Genesis 2:15

“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.” John 10:14-18

“and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Ephesians 5:2

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” Colossians 3:12-14