February 7, 2026 Devo

My youngest son, who is now a father himself, recently asked me, “What were some of the things you had to learn when you had kids?” I took some time to think about it and realized there was a LOT that I had to learn about being a parent. One of the things I confessed was the need to learn the balance between being tough and tender. As a jock, I was from the old school of “Big Boys Don’t Cry.” So when one of my boys would scrape a knee or get disappointed or get their feelings hurt, my response would be, “Suck it up and stop crying. It’s not that bad.”
Thank God I had a wife who approached such situations with a bit more empathy and wisdom. She also told me that if I didn’t stop bullying my boys to hide their pain, she was going to make ME cry! Her wisdom (and my fear of her) pervaded, and I learned along the way that my kids needed me to be compassionate. Not just macho.
Tough and tender. That’s the description that we find in this prophecy of Jesus in our verse today. “Wonderful Counselor and Mighty God.” You see in those words the wisdom and power of Jesus. “Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace.” These words reveal the tenderness and compassion of Jesus. As I read it today, it reminded me of John’s description of Jesus and being “full of grace and truth.” Jesus was God in the flesh. King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He had limitless power and commanded even the demons to obey. Yet, His compassionate and tender heart brought healing to multitudes. He had no problem confronting the highest religious authorities and turning over tables in the Temple that were an affront to the honor of God. But neither did He hesitate to protect a humiliated woman who was caught in adultery. Jesus was tough AND tender. We need both of those qualities from Him.
Today, if you hear the voice of God in your ear, admonishing or confronting you, thank Him for it. That’s your Heavenly Father demonstrating tough love with you to get you back on track. The Bible tells us that “The Lord disciplines those He loves.” But if you’ve fallen, are hurting, or feel as if you’ve made a mess of things, don’t hesitate to come in open surrender to Him. He is as full of Grace as He is of Truth. He will receive you, forgive you, guide you, and help you. Unlike me with my young boys, He’s an experienced and wise Father. He’s both Tough and Tender. That’s God’s Word for you today.