1. So much of today’s music, in all genres, is comprised of words and messages which are just unholy. They describe, typify, and/or encourage thoughts and activities which are so clearly against God’s Word and way. This is not a “young people’s music” issue- as the music of older generations isn’t much better in most cases. Such is why a particular song really caught my attention recently. I liked the tune, but the words were really what I noticed- which is somewhat unusual for me. So much so that that I looked up the lyrics, and would like to share some of them with you by way of introduction to our lesson.

2. “I swore that I was living free. Oh, you couldn't talk to me, And the pride that kept me, didn't want no company. Early morning subway train, Feeling lost and running late, Well, he held the car, and he gave his seat to me. Chorus: I can't find nothing feels so fine as loving A good hearted man. He can soothe me, free me, oh I'm gonna marry That good hearted man. I told him that he'd better go 'Cause I was crazy and impossible, That my love was broken, my dreams had run off wild. But patient as the easy rain, He never turned away, Calling, "Hey sweet woman, you know you're not a child.“ Chorus

3. Good hearted man, now the night makes sense, Because your tenderness is sheltering me. So I'm trading in that hothead kid For a woman I can give to him. It ain't easy, but I'm gonna do the best I can For that good hearted man. Chorus And I'm grateful, got to say thank you To a good hearted man.” (Tift Merritt, “Good-Hearted Man”) I suppose some of those lines could be taken in at least a couple of ways, but I prefer to take them in the best, and most noble sense.

4. How different the sentiments and direction of this song are from so much else we hear today! She recognizes the value of a “good-hearted man” and desires to marry him. But she also recognizes her own “baggage” and tells him that he’d better just go- not to trouble with her. In patience and tenderness he replies, “You know you’re not a child.” Translation: “Grow up.” She then decides to “trade in that hothead kid for a woman I can give to him” recognizing that it won’t be easy, but she commits to “do the best I can for that good-hearted man.” She closes with true gratitude: “I’m grateful, got to say ‘Thank-you’ to a good-hearted man.”

5. Good-Hearted Man What a good word-picture of the development of a chance meeting into an appreciation of true goodness, and ultimately into love and true commitment in marriage! You don’t hear that everyday in modern music, but it is the biblical picture of how things are supposed to work! I’d like us to consider several areas of application regarding a

6. A Good-Hearted Man Should be the desire of the Younger Ladies:  Train yourself to look for and appreciate a “good heart” in those young men with whom you spend time, date, and ultimately, seek to marry.  He’s the one who looks for, and sees your “good heart”! 1Pet.3:2-6  He may not be the football captain (who’s looking for a “victory”), or the ladies man (who’s looking someone to make him look good), or the musician (who’s looking for a groupie), but he does have the heart to be the kind of life-long love you deserve, 1Pet.3:7-9.  Then become the woman he deserves!

7. A Good-Hearted Man Should be the goal of the Younger Men:  While you’re seeking to find out “who you are,” remember who God expects you to become.  While choosing a life’s work, and a life’s mate, please understand that these decisions and directions must be made by first becoming what God expects you to be: a man after His own heart, Acts 13:22.  Seek to cultivate in your heart that it may be good: Give it to God first, Prov.23:26; 4:23 Apply it to His wisdom and understanding, Prov.2:2; Eph.5:25ff Control and direct it God’s way, Prov.23:19 Keep it tender, Eph.4:32 Cultivate it with kindness, patience, and gentleness, 2Tim.2:24-25; Titus 2:6-8; 3:1-2.

8. A Good-Hearted Man Should be the appreciation of the Married Woman:  If you’re husband is honest, sincere, tender, gentle, loving, thoughtful, etc., then truly appreciate him and let him know how much you do often!  If you’re husband is not a “good-hearted man,” then get busy helping him to become what God wants him to be, and what you deserve him to be! Gen.2:18; 1Pet.3:1-2

9. A Good-Hearted Man Should be the result of the Married Man:  If you just got “lucky” and married a “good- hearted” woman without being a “good-hearted” man, then what are you waiting for? She deserves better!  Get busy becoming the man God expects and she deserves you to be: Be the head she deserves, Eph.5:23 Love her the way she deserves, Eph.5:25 Sanctify her the way she deserves, Eph.5:26-27 Nourish her the way she deserves, Eph.5:28-29 Be the “good-hearted man” she can respect, Eph.5:33b  It’s never too late to do the right thing, or to become the “right” man- a “good hearted” one!