Everyday Heroes: Gentlemen

The wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.

James 3:17 (ESV)

Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.

Titus 3:1-2 (NIV)

Everyday heroes live as gentlemen. A gentleman is 'a well-mannered and considerate man with high standards of proper behavior' (American Heritage Dictionary). 

Jesus is the consummate Gentleman. Gentle with what? Gentle with you and me!

Like how? 

He teaches with words and by example. He gives us all the answers in advance! He took OUR final exam, and ACED IT! Our job? Simply believe and follow Him. 'Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children' (Ephesians 5:1).

He preaches truth, not by condemnation, but with an invitation to join Him… and the gift of freedom from oppression. ‘If you continue in My word, then you are truly My disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free’ (John 8:31-32).

He wins through love and submission to God. He never defended Himself. Just us! At the end, Jesus defeated Satan… without hands, feet, weapons, or even words--proving once and for all, 'Love never fails' (1 Corinthians 13:8).

He comforts us with unfailing kindness. He opens His Arms, as Father to child: 'Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest' (Matthew 11:28). 'Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning' (Psalm 30:5).

He leads us, His followers, patiently. 'The Lord is slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness, forgiving iniquity and transgression' (Numbers 14:18). Why? 'The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance' (2 Peter 3:9).

He approaches those who need Him GENTLY. He doesn’t force Himself on anyone. Why? Because Jesus is a Gentleman. 'Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me' (Revelation 3:20).

Actors, models, and talent for Christ:

In contrast to some obnoxious “Christians”, ALWAYS represent Christ with gentleness, kindness, helpfulness, and unfailing love. He expects us to be gentlemen, too. 

'Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand' (Philippians 4:5).

Everyday Heroes: Gentlemen (Part 9)

NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God! We’re ALL called to be actors (action stars) for Jesus. We’re ALL called to models of Jesus, and we ALL have gifts, talents, and callings from God–  to multiply them in the world for His glory.

P.S. NO DEVOTION, PREACHER, or SERMON… can begin to replace personal time in the Bible. I wholeheartedly and clear-headedly recommend READING THE BIBLE DAILY.

WARNING: Don’t focus on favorite verses, because out of context, they’re often misinterpreted. I plead with you to READ AT LEAST 1 BIBLE CHAPTER DAILY. How long does it take? An average of 5 to 10 minutes!

Carey Arban