Men’s Devo: Day 5
Fight for your families – be vulnerable
- 2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV): “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
I have a vivid childhood memory of my step-dad telling me “boys don’t cry” right in the middle of a very emotional moment for me. He continually reinforced this idea for me over the years that he was in my life. This taught me that my emotions and weaknesses were not welcome in our family and in the world because I was a male. Unfortunately, many men view their own weaknesses and emotions this way.
So, we build these walls in our lives and in our families. Walls that keep our emotions from getting out. And, in a lot of ways, we might feel like we’re helping our family by doing this. If they really confronted all the anger that you feel, that might terrify them. But, what we’re actually doing is keeping them from really knowing us. The reality is that we cannot be fully loved if we aren’t fully known. Your walls might keep your emotions in, but in a lot of ways, they generally keep your family out.
2 Corinthians tells us that God’s power is made perfect in our weakness, not in our strength. We have to fight to reverse the mindset that so many of us were given as children. Why is it that the economy of the Kingdom of God encourages vulnerability? How can that be beneficial to our families?
Vulnerability Builds Trust: Proverbs 27:17 says, “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” Sharing your struggles and weaknesses with your family isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a sign of trust. It shows your spouse and children that you’re willing to let them in, and it creates a safe space for them to be vulnerable in return. Trust is deepened when you open up about your fears, your doubts, and even your mistakes.
Vulnerability Requires Courage: In Joshua 1:9, God commands, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Vulnerability takes courage because it means letting go of control and the desire to appear strong at all times. It’s easier to stay guarded, but fighting for your family means having the courage to be real with them—even when it’s uncomfortable.
Vulnerability Invites God’s Grace: In 2 Corinthians 12:9, Paul speaks of boasting in his weaknesses because it allows Christ’s power to shine through him. When we hide our struggles, we miss opportunities for God to work in and through us. Vulnerability invites God’s grace to fill the gaps in our weakness. By being open about where we fall short, we allow our family to see the grace of God at work in our lives and theirs.
Fighting to be vulnerable with your family isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. Vulnerability builds trust, requires courage, and opens the door for God’s grace to move in powerful ways. Don’t be afraid to share your struggles and weaknesses with those you love. In doing so, you’ll create deeper connections and reflect the beauty of Christ’s power in your life. Let’s fight for deeper, more authentic relationships by embracing vulnerability in our families.