Our strength as men is much more than physical prowess or our ability to earn a living. While these are good things, we must also bring a certain strength into our relationships.
Photo by Ashley Schulze on Unsplash
We frustrate our relationships when our strength is limited to external displays.
To be sure, our strength is needed to make a difference in the physical world, but we must also offer our strength to pour life into the hearts of others.
We offer our relational strength through our presence, engagement, and covering.
Strong Presence
Relationships are messy. It is tempting to check out and focus our attention on areas we feel more comfortable and confident – work, hobbies, or television, for example.
Choosing not to run and stay present goes a long way in offering our strength. Without saying a word, we communicate – I will not leave you. We are in this together. Our relationship matters!
Strong Engagement
Many times, simply being present is enough. There is not always something to do or to fix. However, there are times when we need to be actively engaged.
Proactive involvement dives deep into the messy ups and downs of the relationship.
We actively listen to the other, while also offering our desires and opinions. We do not simply occupy space passively, but are fully invested in the growth and vitality of the relationship.
Strong Covering
We provide a strong covering for our relationship by protecting and advocating for it.
We protect it from harmful outside influences, such as public opinions that run contrary to our deeply held values and beliefs. And on the inside, we protect the relationship from our own stagnation and indifference.
Likewise, we also advocate for our relationship – promoting its welfare among all. We provide our strength by advancing the goodness of the relationship.
There are many external domains that require our masculine strength. Without neglecting these, as we mature we must also offer our strength to our relationships.
The strength of our hearts is needed alongside the strength of our bodies.
Grow in your manhood by offering a strong presence, engagement, and covering to your relationships.
