Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Romans 12:9–10 (NLT)
Men are taught not to sweat it or shed a tear. They often put on an emotional mask in the morning and take it off at night. The trouble is these fathers are teaching their kids—especially their sons—to do the same.
Men, we need to learn to take off our masks and be vulnerable with someone. What do I mean by that? You need to open up and be honest with your wife even if you don’t think she’ll understand you. Have genuine conversations with your kids even if they may not listen to you at first.
It’s never too late to speak into your kids’ lives, even if they’re well into adulthood. Start by making a list of the things you love and appreciate about them. Look for their strengths, gifts and the things that make you laugh. Then take a moment to look them in the eye and say, “I didn’t know how to tell you this growing up but let me share with you now what I think about you.” No matter how old they are, your sons and daughters are hungry for their father’s love.
We need to realize that real men are both tender and strong. There’s a gentleness in the way they touch a child or speak with their wife. Yet you would never mess with this kind of man because he possesses a backbone of steel.
Dads, as you continue to take your cues from the best father out there—your Father God—you’re making an incredible difference in your family!