In the beginning, God created us as male and female – each reflecting aspects of his divine nature. It follows then that men and women each offer a relational presence that the other does not. And this can be seen as a type of relational currency.
To be sure, the best scenario for raising kids is for the active engagement of both the father and the mother, as each offers a needed relational energy the other does not. But this plays out in our peer relationships as well. We need the presence of both our brothers and our sisters to truly flourish relationally.
As such, it’s often helpful to consider when we might need more masculine or feminine energy in our life, and also not to mistake the currency of one for the other.
For instance, there might be seasons in which we need the iron sharpening iron presence of the masculine, or the comfort, nurture, and support of the feminine. Likewise, we only frustrate ourselves when we approach our relationship with women like we approach it with other men, as a different currency is needed.
And the reverse is also true, which is why it’s often hard to take relationship advice from our wife about relating to other men. For example, she might want us to approach our friendships with other men the way she approaches her friendships with other women. And while some general principles would hold true for each, there’s still a different relational currency that must also be taken into account. Inasmuch as we must be intentional about forging meaningful friendships, this must be done in the way of men, and not the way of women.
In the end, men and women each have their own way of being relationally. Honor the masculine currency needed in forging your relationships with other men.
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