“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” – Galatians 5:22-23
Strength and Courage
As we look at what a man should be, we recognize the importance of strength and courage in our lives. Strength is not just physical; it also embodies moral courage and the ability to stand firm in our beliefs. God calls us to be strong and courageous, just as He commands Joshua in the book of Joshua. This strength allows us to face life’s challenges head-on, to lead our families, and to champion justice in our communities. Courage, paired with strength, empowers us to be advocates for the voiceless and to stand up for what is right in the eyes of God. Together, these qualities help shape us into the men God intended us to be.
Joshua 1:9
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9
1 Corinthians 16:13
“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.” – 1 Corinthians 16:13
Psalms 27:14
“Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” – Psalms 27:14
Philippians 4:13
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:13
Isaiah 41:10
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” – Isaiah 41:10
Love and Compassion
In our pursuit of what a man should be, we find ourselves embracing love and compassion as core attributes. Love is not merely a feeling; it is an action that we can demonstrate through our relationships with others. Jesus taught us to love not just those close to us but also our enemies. This kind of love requires empathy and understanding, as we seek to uplift others and show compassion in times of trouble. As we embody these qualities, we become a force for good in our families and communities, reflecting God’s love through our actions.
John 15:12
“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” – John 15:12
Ephesians 4:32
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:32
1 Peter 3:8
“Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.” – 1 Peter 3:8
Colossians 3:14
“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” – Colossians 3:14
Romans 13:10
“Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.” – Romans 13:10
Integrity and Honesty
Integrity and honesty are foundational traits that define what a man should be. These qualities reflect our character and establish trust in relationships, be it with our family, friends, or colleagues. The Bible emphasizes the importance of honesty in our dealings and encourages us to uphold the truth. A man exhibiting integrity stands firm in his principles and actions, aligning them with God’s teachings. By practicing honesty and integrity, we can lead by example and inspire others to follow suit, creating a ripple effect of righteousness in our communities.
Proverbs 11:3
“The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them.” – Proverbs 11:3
Proverbs 12:22
“The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.” – Proverbs 12:22
Psalms 25:21
“May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope, Lord, is in you.” – Psalms 25:21
Ephesians 4:25
“Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.” – Ephesians 4:25
Proverbs 21:3
“To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.” – Proverbs 21:3
Leadership and Responsibility
Leadership is a vital aspect of what a man should be. Being a leader does not solely refer to a position of authority; it is about how we take responsibility for guiding others in a positive direction. As we embrace our leadership roles, we must remember to serve with humility, placing the needs of others before our own. Our responsibility extends to our families, communities, and beyond as we aim to foster growth and positive change. By taking ownership of our actions and setting a godly example, we contribute to the collective well-being of those around us.
1 Timothy 3:1
“Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task.” – 1 Timothy 3:1
Matthew 20:26-28
“Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.” – Matthew 20:26-28
Proverbs 29:2
“When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan.” – Proverbs 29:2
Titus 1:7
“Since an overseer manages God’s household, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain.” – Titus 1:7
Proverbs 16:12
“Kings detest wrongdoing, for a throne is established through righteousness.” – Proverbs 16:12
Faith and Trust in God
Faith is a cornerstone of what a man should be. It guides our actions, influences our decisions, and strengthens us during tough times. Trusting in God enables us to navigate through challenges, providing us with hope and assurance that He has a plan for us. As men of faith, we should rely on God’s wisdom and lean not on our understanding. Cultivating a deep relationship with God enhances our ability to lead and support others, helping us thrive in every aspect of our lives.
Hebrews 11:1
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” – Hebrews 11:1
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6
Philippians 4:6-7
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” – Philippians 4:6-7
1 Peter 5:7
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:7
Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11
Service and Humility
Service and humility shape a significant part of who we are as men. These qualities encourage us to put others first, understanding that real strength lies in serving those around us with love and kindness. Jesus modeled this servant leadership during His life, exemplifying how we can lead without seeking personal gain or recognition. As we embrace humility, we remain open to learning and growing, recognizing that we all have something to contribute. When we serve with a humble heart, we uplift others and reflect God’s love in action.
Matthew 23:11-12
“The greatest among you will be your servant. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” – Matthew 23:11-12
Galatians 5:13
“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” – Galatians 5:13
Philippians 2:3-4
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” – Philippians 2:3-4
Mark 10:45
“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” – Mark 10:45
James 4:10
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” – James 4:10
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on what a man should be, we see it’s not just about strength and leadership. Strength, courage, love, and compassion are essential traits, just like integrity and honesty. We must embrace faith and trust in God as guiding principles, allowing Him to direct our paths. Service and humility become our actions as we strive to uplift those around us. In doing so, we not only fulfill our roles but also honor God in every aspect of our lives.
We encourage each other to live out these values daily and pursue a life dedicated to serving God and our communities. The journey may not always be easy, but with faith and determination, we can continue to grow and thrive as men committed to Godly principles.
If you’re inspired to explore even deeper, there are many insightful passages in the Bible that speak to our lives, such as 1 John 5:1 and 1 John 4:1. Let us keep seeking and learning together as we grow in faith and understanding.