God’s Promise:
Matthew 22:37-39 – “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind… love your neighbor as yourself.”
More Than a Gift: The Power of Being Present
I’ve never been one to give gifts just to check off a box. If I give something, it’s because I want it to mean something. I want it to last. That’s what relationships are about, too—lasting impact, real connection, and being fully present in the lives of those we love.
One day, my daughter, Angelina, and I were looking at Bibles together. As we flipped through the pages, she casually mentioned how much she loved taking notes in her Bible, but the small margins made it difficult. It was just an offhand comment—something that could have been easily forgotten. But I remembered.
Months later, when she unwrapped a gift, her face lit up. It wasn’t just any Bible—it was one with wide margins, perfect for writing and reflecting. The look in her eyes wasn’t about the gift itself. It was about what the gift represented: I had listened. I had seen her. I had thought about her before she even knew she had a need.
That Bible is still with her today, filled with notes, prayers, and reflections. And every time she writes in it, she’s reminded—not just of the Bible, but of the relationship behind it.
That’s what shepherding our families looks like. Real, relational love isn’t about checking boxes or making ourselves feel good—it’s about investing in the people God has placed in our lives.
Relational Love: More Than Obligation
As men, it’s easy to fall into the trap of fulfilling obligations. We provide. We protect. We make sure the needs of our family are met. But shepherding isn’t about just doing the right things—it’s about knowing our people deeply and leading them with love.
Jesus didn’t just show up and check off the “Messiah” duties. He invested in His disciples. He knew their fears, their weaknesses, their strengths. He called them by name. That’s the kind of relational leadership we’re called to model.
Your wife doesn’t just need you to provide financially—she needs to know you see her, hear her, and value her. Your children don’t just need a roof over their heads—they need to know their father is engaged in their lives, that he listens and remembers the little things. The same goes for your brothers, uncles, and even the men you lead in your church or workplace.
True leadership is built on relationships, not routine.
Shepherding in Action: Today’s Value
Intentional Presence: The strength of a shepherd leader is not just in providing but in being fully present. Real connection requires listening, remembering, and valuing those entrusted to us.
Reflection Questions:
- In what ways do you show your family that you truly see and hear them, beyond just providing for their needs?
- How can you be more intentional about remembering and acting on the little details in your relationships?
- What steps can you take this week to be fully present with your loved ones, rather than just going through the motions?
Bible References:
- Matthew 22:37-39 – “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind… love your neighbor as yourself.”
- John 10:14-15 – “I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father.”
- Philippians 2:4 – “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
A Prayer for the Man of the Shepherd:
Lord, help me to be a man who truly listens, who sees the needs of my family beyond the surface. Teach me to love as You love, with intentionality and care. Give me wisdom to shepherd my home in a way that builds lasting, meaningful relationships. Amen.
My Personal Journey:
These weekday reflections flow from my time in God’s Word. I invite you to join me and other Men of the Shepherd in building Christ-centered homes—leading, discipling, and serving like Jesus. If these reflections encourage you, please like, share, and pass them on so more men can grow in their calling.
To follow along with the weekday readings, check out our Weekday Reflections Playlist on YouTube or subscribe to the YouTube channel here.
#TheHarvestField #fatherhood #servantleadership #FaithfulShepherds #ChristCenteredHome
Discover more from Men of the Shepherd
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
