Maybe it’s being more intentional with your kids. Maybe it’s communicating better with your wife. Most dads want to build stronger relationships. Galatians 6:2 says, “Bear one another’s burdens… ” Listening is a key piece of bearing burdens—and building stronger relationships. How well do you truly listen? There are three levels of listening. Level 1: Pretending to listen. Well, pretending to listen isn’t really listening, is it?! You can’t listen but also be doing other things at the same time. Instead of pretending to listen, ask follow-up questions on the last thing that was said. You’ll not only show you’re listening, but you’ll actually be listening. Level 2: Listening to respond. If you’re listening to respond, you’re just waiting to talk. It’ll be difficult to give encouragement, since you’re not fully engaged. Close your mouth and open your ears. Level 3: Listening to understand. Listen with the intent to grasp what the other person is trying to communicate. Try paraphrasing what’s been said back to the person. No tricks here, it’ll help you show, and maybe even gain, empathy.

How to Build a Strong Christian Home: Building a Christ-centered home starts with you. Your faith, example, and leadership shape your family’s spiritual legacy. Investing in teamwork, time, and daily faith-building habits like prayer, Bible study, and church involvement helps nurture faith in your household. No one walks this journey alone—lean on mentors, show grace, and serve together. Love is the foundation, and your legacy will be defined by the choices you make today.

Building Stronger Relationships: English poet John Donne once wrote, “no man is an island.” His point? None of us go through this life alone. No matter where we turn in life, we bump into other people. As husbands and fathers, our most important relationships involve the people under our own roof. Those are the connections we need to strengthen as we continue to move into this year. In today’s episode, we’ll explore ways we can rely on God’s strength to be the relational leaders we are called to be.

“Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.” —Stephen R. Covey

“We have two ears and one tongue so that we would listen more and talk less.” —Diogenes

“When people talk, listen completely. Most people never listen.” —Ernest Hemingway

Different shoes. The quickest way to stop going through the motions—and truly listen—is to put yourself in the other person’s shoes. Why’s this vital? The rest of Galatians 6:2 says, “…and so fulfill the law of Christ.” The example you set matters. When you engage with your wife and kids well—when you truly listen—you’re modeling what Jesus would do. Those who live with you start to feel seen, heard, and understood. Your home becomes an incubator for encouragement. No, you may not get this perfect on the first try. But remember, growth takes time. Keep trying. Start small and create consistent change—over time. Trust me, it’ll lead to deeper, more meaningful connections.

Kent Evans
Author of Don’t Bench Yourself, co-founder of Manhood Journey

P.S. Was this Mountain Monday helpful? Tell me if you love it, hate it, or if there’s something you’d like in the next one.

Forward this to a dad you know who needs some encouragement.