I heard this phrase recently and for the life of me I can not remember where. It has been stuck with me for some time.
In our society we frequently see men at one end of the spectrum. They either poses a very tender heart and are easily swayed by emotion or very hard workers with no emotional connection to any people. Not even family.
Jesus paints a picture of a man strong in conviction who is willing to die for truth and as he said, "lay down his life for his friends." Yet in the same man we find someone who is tender with children, compassionate to widows and a friend to the unloved. In him we find this beautiful blend of a strong back, willing to carry the responsibility given him by the father and a soft heart, open to the voice of God and full of compassion and love.
I have been processing this line in relation to my family. With my wife and daughter how do I demonstrate that I am willingly and capably carrying my God given responsibilities and at the same time tender in my heart toward Him and them. Do they know that I am willing to do whatever it takes to protect and provide for them as well as give them the center of my earthly affection. As men we often give our work the majority of our affection and bring home scraps to our family. I see young men and women all around struggling to find a new balance, unlike the model given by their fathers. My father's generation is one of demonstrating love through provision rather than words and affection. There is an unusual encouragement and strength that a father brings through this model of hard work and soft heart.
As I seek to be strong in the right areas and soft in others, I find that time spent with Jesus fuels both. As I read scripture he not only solidifies my convictions he brings a tenderness in my heart that is much more focused and intentional. I find myself stronger in passions and more tender with compassion.
This has immense impact on how we lead a church. More on that later.
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