And coming to Him as to a living stone which has been rejected by men, but is choice and precious in the sight of God, you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 2:4, 5 NASB)
A living stone rejected by men…a Rock with a tender heart we can confide in. When He came to life again after we rejected and crucified Him people found a man-God who would place His finger gently on the needy parts of their hearts. Peter was asked three times Do you love Me? Thomas was told feel the piercing and the scar and no longer doubt. The group on the road to Emmaus felt warm hearts when He spoke. This man-God was unrecognizable at times but His scars were always the sign of who He was.
We are also living stones and just like Him we are chosen and precious. That means we should be strong but with tender, wise hearts. And we offer up ourselves to God so we can be part of a building made of precious, loving, living stones.