Toy Stories: Barbie — Nurturing vs. Domineering - Wednesday
Today’s Verse
Romans 12:10
Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. (ESV)
I have the privilege of working with a new group of young adults here at Southland each year. Typically, as the older female in the group, I naturally fall into the role of team mom. That can look like giving advice, sharing practical adulting tips, and even sometimes gentle reminders or needed encouragement. But something interesting happened this year: this particular group is made up of all guys and only one young female. This young lady has fallen into the role of team mom. We have joked about it some, but it is a perfect example of the nurturing side of God’s nature displayed in women.
Now, I am sure the group dynamics and personality types have played a role as well, but I have witnessed a young lady, who without being demanding or nagging, has reminded them of important events and expectations, told them where they can find their missing water bottles, and even kept the group chat alive when some are not good about responding. She is helping them see what is going on around them that they don’t always notice on their own, so that they can better care for and love those around them. She is helping them develop skills that don’t come naturally to them, and these skills will make them better coworkers, better friends, better husbands, better fathers, and most importantly, better followers of Jesus.
We did not ask her to step in and take this role, but what a joy it has been to see her lovingly guide her friends as she helps them grow. (To be sure, there are lots of things these guys help her with as well. My favorite thing to see is how protective they all are of her.) They are all living examples of the beautiful differences God has put in men and women that together represent the image of God. When we allow God and His Word to define who we are and learn what He has created us for, we have the opportunity to not only serve and care for one another well, but show our broken world a glimpse of who God is as we reflect His nature in us.
APPLICATION
In your everyday life, there are people around you who need Jesus—people who need to know there is an answer for the problem of sin. Take a step this week in your words or actions to serve them and show them God’s love for them in a new way.
PRAYER
God, thank You that You designed us to need one another. Open my eyes to those around me who need You. Help me to see how I can show them the truth of Your love and grace.