The Intentional Shepherd’s Heart: Serving, Leading, and Loving Well

God’s Promise

1 John 3:14 (ESV) – “We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death.”

The Intentional Shepherd: Leading with Pro-Active Love

I sat in my chair one evening, staring at the unfinished projects around the house—things I had promised to take care of but had let slip. The kids were running around, my wife was finishing up the dishes, and I felt a twinge of guilt. Not because I was intentionally neglecting my responsibilities, but because I had fallen into the trap of reactive leadership—only stepping up when something was urgent or demanded my attention.

It hit me: How often do we lead our families by reaction rather than intention?

The idea of being an Intentional Shepherd had been growing in my heart for years, but in that moment, I saw just how easy it is to let leadership slide into the background. We tell ourselves we’ll step in when it matters, but the truth is, every moment matters. Shepherding our families isn’t about waiting for the storms to come before we take action; it’s about preparing, guiding, and loving before the storms arrive.

Jesus, our Good Shepherd, didn’t wait until we cried out for help before He laid down His life for us. He loved us first, proactively, without hesitation. He calls us to love the same way—not as passive leaders, but as men who take initiative in guiding, serving, and protecting our families.

The Call to Pro-Active Love

Leading as an Intentional Shepherd means choosing to love before love is expected. It’s choosing patience before frustration takes over, speaking encouragement before criticism creeps in, and pursuing our families with the same relentless love Christ has for us.

It’s easy to get caught up in the world’s version of leadership—power, authority, being the one in control. But Biblical leadership flips that upside down. It’s not about power, it’s about service. Jesus washed His disciples’ feet. He carried the burdens of the weak. He showed us that real leadership isn’t about demanding respect, but about loving so well that respect follows naturally.

I had to make a change. Instead of waiting for the perfect moment to lead, I started finding small ways to step in. A word of encouragement here. An act of service there. A prayer whispered over my children while they slept.

Leadership isn’t always about grand gestures—it’s about consistent, daily faithfulness.

“Baby Steps to Faith”—It’s the intentional, small steps toward faith that transform and renew.

Shepherding in Action: Today’s Value

Pro-Active Love strengthens our character as shepherd leaders by teaching us to love before we are asked, serve before there is a need, and lead with the same selfless love that Christ has shown us.

Reflection Questions for Men

1. In what ways have I led my family reactively instead of proactively? How can I change that?
2. How does Christ’s example of servant leadership challenge my view of being a leader in my home?
3. What is one small, intentional act of love I can show to my wife, children, or family today?

Bible References

• 1 John 3:14 – “We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death.”