We have a duty to protect those God has entrusted to us. For many this has been reduced to brute strength that has neglected caring for the hearts of others, and even ourselves. But in rejecting this extreme we should not then go to the opposite. We cannot protect our love ones by simply creating a safe place for them emotionally. We fulfill our divine role by being both tough and tender as the situation demands.
On the one hand, without our heart fully intact, it’s easy to focus more on the appearance of strength rather than its purpose. For instance, we focus more on being in shape and looking good physically, but less on actually doing the heavy lifting around our home and communities. Likewise, we become easily offended at every hint of disrespect rather than having tough enough skin to continue loving anyway.
But we essentially become a cuddly teddy bear when we focus exclusively on creating the space for others to be emotionally comfortable and safe with us. We’re reliable, compassionate, and kind, but not necessarily dangerous. And we need to be both.
Like David as a shepherd, he did more than just provide green pastures for his flock to eat. He fiercely defended his sheep whenever a lion or bear attacked – willing to kill the animal if this is what it took to rescue a lamb from its mouth. And it’s this tough and tender spirit that we need to embody as well.
It’s not enough to charge the battlefields of life without also knowing how to tenderly care for the hearts of those we’re fighting for. At the same time, we protect the sheep God has given us by being dangerous enough to stop any threat that seeks to steal, kill, or destroy their wellbeing.
In the end, be tough and also tender. Both are needed to protect and truly love those God has entrusted to you.
