A Different Kind of Woman

[Women and/or wives] "do not let your adorning be external — the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear — but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious" (1 Peter 3:3-4, ESV) #ServeToLead #PreachTheWord #WomensDay #BeADifferentKindOfWoman

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Rich Malaysia, Poor Malaysians (2017, 2018, New and Expanded Edition) by Anas Alam Faizli, Book Review

Rich Malaysia, Poor Malaysians (2017, 2018, New and Expanded Edition) by Anas Alam Faizli

The title of this book says it all. “Malaysia’s socio-economic structure can be summed up in four words: ‘Rich Malaysia, Poor Malaysians.’ Malaysia is blessed with abundant natural resources, with petroleum being the most precious,” writes Anas in Chapter 9 Malaysia: High Income Nation, Low Income Rakyat. “Land, resources, a large youthful population - Malaysia has all the essential ingredients to flourish. How did this small countries of 30 million people manage to gain the unsolicited title of being among the region’s most unequal nations of rich and poor? What happened?” As of this writing, by the end of 2020, the population in Malaysia is expected to reach 33.1 million. Everything mention in this book is still happening - even worst. So, what happened?

Maybe I’m too pessimistic and over-simplistic. As I finished reading these 34 essays on “Malaysia’s problems,” the impression that I get can be boiled down in one word: Corruption. Corruption to the core. There are three key issues that Anas tackles in this book, namely - Energy (or Resources), Education and Economy - to borrow Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz’s 3E in the foreword of this book. The first part about Malaysia’s petroleum resources hit hard on me as Sarawakian, especially in Chapter 5 Higher Royalty Versus State Ownership of Petronas, which is an issue that we still fight until today. Yes, rich Sarawak, poor Sarawakians. In the second part, Anas highlights socio-economic issues such as education, health care, inequality, foreign workers, poverty, welfare, women’s empowerment, environment, Islam, etc. To me, his insight on education is very interesting and persuasive. While I do not totally agree with all of Anas’ analysis (as with some other subjects too), I wholeheartedly believe that “education is one of, if not the most, important solutions to all the problems that we are facing today.” In parts three and four, he expands on the previous subjects and added some other issues.

This book ends with a positive note. In fact, every chapter ends with some potential solutions and proposals for a betterment. There are “endless possibilities,” said Anas. “Nothing is impossible, no matter how hopeless the situation seems. Always remember that the sun only comes out after the darkest point of the night. The same goes for Malaysia.” To be honest, I’m almost giving up on Malaysia. But books like this, by caring fellow Malaysian, never fail to rekindle my fire and hope for Malaysia. Read it! Thank you Anas Alam Faizli. May the Lord Jesus Christ bless you.

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Womanhood: A Woman Is... by Erlinda Mikal

I agree! A woman highest calling is fear of the Lord. Perhaps the most famous passage about Biblical Womanhood, Proverbs 31 teaches that a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised (verse 30)

I asked my friend, Erlinda Mikal, a wife, a mother, and a teacher, to share with LEGASI.tv, in her opinion, what are the five (5) virtues of a woman. Check it out ⚡

[P. s: What about man? Ask her husband, Albert Macewell. To watch 5 Vital Characteristics of A Man, CLICK HERE: https://youtu.be/Z3BO98x58d8] 

#ServeToLead #Womanhood #GrowingLeader #FearOfTheLord #EmpoweredWomen #SeekWisdon

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Happy Mother's Day To Mine, Yours and You!

She loves Malacca, I love her, she is lovely. Happy Mother's Day to mothers who follow LEGASI.tv and to your mother too ❤ #ServeToLead #HappyMothersDay

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3 Lessons about Womanhood from Anna, a Prophetess Luke 2:36-38 (Short Bible Study)

 

Watch other Bible Study videos:

CHAPTER 1

Luke 1:1-4 https://youtu.be/PVorOCQqOVM   

Luke 1:5-25 https://youtu.be/F5Kp-JU-c90  

Luke 1:26-38 https://youtu.be/1h56S9IGvf0  

Luke 1:39-56 https://youtu.be/2fQYRCvIn5k  

Luke 1:57-66 https://youtu.be/4JsE7rFRCig  

Luke 1:67-80 https://youtu.be/Swmh_gjEBp0  

CHAPTER 2

Luke 2:1-7 https://youtu.be/A-lKr7906JI  

Luke 2:8-20 https://youtu.be/OmCUs95ozUQ  

Luke 2:21-24 https://youtu.be/MfVXnV3X-Og  

Luke 2:25-35 https://youtu.be/-hODLozQbmM  

Mother’s Day Special https://youtu.be/56a8cmkRpd8

Luke 2:36-38 https://youtu.be/56a8cmkRpd8

Luke 2:39-52 https://youtu.be/QaLBTLSkMls  

_______________

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7 Observations [Probably 1 Controversial] Lessons I Learned from Luke 1:39-56 (Short Bible Study)

Read Luke 1:39-56,

A few days later Mary hurried to the hill country of Judea, to the town where Zechariah lived. She entered the house and greeted Elizabeth. At the sound of Mary’s greeting, Elizabeth’s child leaped within her, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.

Elizabeth gave a glad cry and exclaimed to Mary, “God has blessed you above all women, and your child is blessed. Why am I so honored, that the mother of my Lord should visit me? When I heard your greeting, the baby in my womb jumped for joy. You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what he said.”

Mary responded,

“Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior! For he took notice of his lowly servant girl, and from now on all generations will call me blessed.

For the Mighty One is holy, and he has done great things for me. He shows mercy from generation to generation to all who fear him. His mighty arm has done tremendous things! He has scattered the proud and haughty ones. He has brought down princes from their thrones and exalted the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away with empty hands. He has helped his servant Israel and remembered to be merciful. For he made this promise to our ancestors, to Abraham and his children forever.”

Mary stayed with Elizabeth about three months and then went back to her own home.

7 Observations that I Learned:

#1 Luke - the Gospels - gives High View of Women

#2 Luke emphasizes the Work of the Holy Spirit

#3 Elizabeth was the First Person who Acknowledge that Jesus is "Lord" (1:34)

#4 Even while in the worm, John points "the Coming of the Lord" (1:17)

#5 Elizabeth [old woman] and Mary [teenage girl] have Great Faith and Were Saturated with the Word of God

#6 Although Mary is "the mother" of the Lord (1:43), She Acknowledged that She needs a "Savior" (1:47)

#7 GOD is in ALL of These

Want to Watch Previous Videos?

Episode #1: https://youtu.be/PVorOCQqOVM

Episode #2: https://youtu.be/F5Kp-JU-c90

Episode #3: https://youtu.be/1h56S9IGvf0

Blog: www.richardangelus.me      

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YouTube: https://youtu.be/PVorOCQqOVM

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Gender Revolution:The Shifting Landscape of Gender by National Geographic, Jan 18 (Review)

Gender Revolution: The Shifting Landscape of Gender
by National Geographic: January 2017

Malaysia's news headline this month: "Malaysia gov't slammed over removal of LGBT portraits" (New Straits Times Online, 9 Aug 2018); "Negri Sembilan state government denounces LGBT" (New Straits Times Online, 12 Aug 2018); "No compromise on LGBT, says Pahang mufti" (Free Malaysia Today, 13 Aug 2018); "Fuziah: Don't drive LGBT group away from Islam" (Free Malaysia Today, 14 Aug 2018); "Putrajaya denies doctor in LGBT controversy transferred" (Free Malaysia Today, 15 Aug 2018); "Transgenders report death threat, hate comments to police" (Free Malaysia, 17 Aug 2018). Pahang mufti Abdul Rahman Osman reported saying: "This group is cursed by God and those who support the wrongdoings are equally sinning… why we want to accept and be with them?" Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Fuziah Salleh, on the other hand, responded this way, "In our religion [Islam], what is haram is haram and there is no compromise about that… [But] if we alienate the group, which has been done before, how are they supposed to live in dignity?" Actually, how do we should response about LGBT in Malaysia?

One sentence, first response: Seek First to Understand. Pahang mufti also reported saying, "We have to oppose them… not endeavor to understand them instead." He and other religious extremists (both in Islam, Christianity, and other religions) are going too far by being devoured-ignorers. They break Stephen R. Covey's 5th habit, "Seek first to understand then be understood." I like how Fuziah Salleh respond. She firmly said, I requote: "In our religion [Islam], what is haram is haram and there is no compromise about that…" But then she added the 5th habit of highly effective people's response: "[but don't] alienate the group as this would only drive them further away from Islam." That's the way we should response! As Christ followers we should hold to Biblical standards – God's Word – no compromise! But at the same time display Christ's love for all humanity by seeking first to understand. Love seeks to understand. Araso?

So, in order for me to understand the LGBT issues, and to better response when ask, and to even withhold my judgment, I need to do my own research. You may ask, "What is LGBT?" LGBT or LGBTQ is an acronym used to refer to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and/or questioning individuals and communities. Simply put, a lesbian is a homosexual woman; a gay (in this context) is a homosexual man; a bisexual is someone who is sexually attracted to both men and women; a transgender is "a person whose gender identity does not match the biological sex they were assigned at birth"; and a queer is "someone whose gender identity is neither man nor woman, is between or beyond genders, or is some combination of genders." To add more to your confusion, National Geographic introduces a few other terms such as agender, androgynous, cisgender, gender binary, gender dysphoria, genderfluid, nonbinary, etc.

National Geographic is one of my favorite magazines (first in line is BBC Earth) and in this special issue, they explore the shifting landscape of gender in science, in social systems, and in civilizations throughout history. Normally I would only read sections that I'm interested in, but for this issue, I read from cover to cover. No doubt there are few things that I don't agree with and I wish Nat Geo's columnists can be a little bit more unbiased and it would be good if they also allow anti-LGBTQ writer-supporters to have they say in the magazine. Maybe a page would be fine (well, that probably a far-fetched wish! Like asking TV3 to broadcast church worship service live every Sunday morning). Nevertheless, Nat Geo covered this issue quite well and it has great sub-topics such as:

- A Portrait of Gender Today (with an LGBTQ-full group photograph)

- Helping Families Talk about Gender

- Girls, Boys, and Gendered Toys

- Colour Code

- One Part He, One Part She

- I Am Nine Years Old: Children Across the World Tell Us How Gender Affects their Lives

- Rethinking Gender

- Identity, Sex, and Expression

- Making a Man: How Does a 21st-Century Boy Reach Manhood?

- Many Paths to Manhood

- Parental Leave on Dad's Terms

- American Girl: How Do You Grow Up In an Era of Body Shaming and Anonymous Bullying

 - It's Hard to Be Female: the Statistics

- The Dangerous Lives of Girls

- Painful Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)

- Our Evolving Sense of Self

- and many more.                                                      

This is just the beginning of my deeper study on LGBTQ. I've watched videos and documentaries, listened to sermons/talks, and subscribed to LGBT podcasts and Christian (and religious) debates. I don't know where this quest will lead me to… but for sure, before you respond to any issues today – be wise. Seek first to understand dan jangan cepat melatah.

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Jesus' Leadership #28 He Empowered Women to Become Leaders

I believe wholeheartedly that women can and should be in the leadership roles – both in the church and especially in the marketplace.  Although in church headship, I'm convinced by my reading of the Scripture that offices such as elder, bishop, pastor, and senior pastor are reserved only for men. All are permissible for women except bestowing spiritual authority over adult men (this is a highly debatable statement, so, I won't discuss this matter further). Men and women are equal with respect to dignity and worth and yet different with respect to role and responsibility. With that being said, women must be given equal opportunity to become leaders. In fact, many great leaders I know are women! But unfortunately, too many churches and organizations still fail to recognize, acknowledge or see the potentials and talents of women. Some still discourage and even forbid women – nonverbally and culturally – from taking leadership roles.

Jesus Christ, my Lord, apparently thought differently. Although He first called twelve men to become His close-disciples, His first appearance after His death was to a group of women (see Matthew 28:1, 9) with the instruction to go and convince Peter and others of His resurrection! Before the birth of the Saviour, God through His angel spoke to young Mary about a magnificent plan (Luke 1:30-33), which she was able to keep secret until the appropriate time. Wealthy women economically among the followers supported Jesus and His disciples while they were on their mission (Luke 8:3). Mary Magdalene, Martha, Joanna, Salome, and Susanna were among Jesus' female disciples that played significant roles during His earthly ministry. Paul, one of Jesus most faithful apostles, enlisted women to be among his colleagues in the ministry such as Prisca, Phoebe, Chloe, Euodia, Syntyche, etc. So, in the beginning, and at the end of the gospel story – even throughout the Old and the New Testament – God gave primary leadership roles to women.

Men, churches, and organizations who fail to acknowledge women as leaders often suffer for their ignorance. For examples, Pontius Pilate's wife tried to warn him not to be involved in the trial and execution of Jesus by saying, "Leave this innocent man alone. I suffered through a terrible nightmare about him last night" (Matthew 27:19). Pilate ignored her and since then get himself into trouble for the rest of his life; Nabal was struck to death because he didn't act wisely like his wife Abigail (1 Samuel 25); Deborah became known as great military leader and deliverer of Israel because Balak don't want to take the lead (Judge 4:8-10).

 Jesus said to both women and men: "The Kingdom of God is already among you" or "is within you" (Luke 17:21). He delegated equal power and authority to anyone who asked. In the Kingdom of God, there is neither rich nor poor, free nor bond, male nor female, all are equally the sons and daughters of God. We are equal in dignity, worth and are called to lead. Jesus empowered women to become leaders. Are you?

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Timothy, Tell the Wives to Be Faithful and Godly (1 Timothy 3:11)

"In the same way, the women are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything."

(1 Timothy 3:11, NIV)

The word used here is sometimes translated as "deaconess," but it merely means "women." The qualifications mentioned should certainly characterize the wives of both bishops (the leaders) and deacons (the helpers). If you read "In the same way," it means it is very connected with the previous verse, and so, it is evident that "women" here refer and applicable to any Christian leaders' wives who may have or have no leadership positions in the church. There are four (4) qualifications given by Paul here:

1) Worthy of Respect

2) Not Malicious Talkers

3) Temperate

4) Trustworthy in Everything

To me, the last qualifications embrace the entire scope of her life and service – "trustworthy [or faithful] in everything." She is to be faithful to her husband, loyal in how she serves others, devoted to the ministry and family, and committed to God. Such a woman will not be malicious talkers or gossipers, having self-control, worthy of respect, and a place of leadership.

H.A. Ironside commented on this verse: "In as much as [the leaders] have to do with the temporal affairs of the church, their wives are likely to cause endless trouble unless they are wise, godly women. If the wife is a busybody, she can destroy very easily her husband's influence for good.” But if the wife has all four qualifications or characteristics like above, Ironside says, "A wife like this is a great asset to any man." So, women, wives, or wife-to-be, are you the husband's great asset or liability? A great supporter or hindrance to the ministry? A husband's helper or the Devil's instrument of slander?

Men or husbands – leaders – are you modeling
and exampling godly manhood to your partner?

It should start with you first.

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Timothy, Don't Permit a Woman to Teach or to Have Authority Over a Man (1 Timothy 2:11-15)

“A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent. For Adam was formed first, then Eve. And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner. But women will be saved through childbearing – if they continue in faith, love and holiness with propriety”

(1 Timothy 2:11-15, NIV)

First, keep this in mind: the context of these verses is Paul’s instructions on worship service. And, remember that throughout the New Testament, the Christian home – husband and wife – is a picture of the union between Jesus Christ and His bride, the church (refer Ephesians 5:22-33). The man is the type of Christ and the woman is the type of the church. Ephesians 5:24 says, “Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.” This context and text are reasons why for the strict instruction in these verses.

If you read 1 Corinthians 14:33-35, you’ll understand that women during Paul’s time were creating a disturbance or disorder in the public worship services by “speak in the church,” which I assumed that they questioned negatively about what was being preached. Some commentaries say that these women of Ephesus were new converts and thus have little experience. And due to the Jewish male-dominated society of the time, the women were not allowed to study and thus having little knowledge of the truth (that was why if you study false teachings, cults, or ancient religions, most of the leaders were women. See 2 Timothy 3:1-9). Here Paul outlines two main theological reasons why he “do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man”:

#1 First, the order of creation gives headship to the man (Genesis 1-2). “For Adam was formed first, then Eve.” This doesn’t mean man is superior to woman in creation, but man was given the place of priority, and God intends that it should remain so. #2 Secondly, the woman was the one who falls into sin first. “And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner.” The fall in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3) was disastrous as a result when the woman first took a place of leadership that was never meant for her. Had Eve remained in the place of “quietness and full submission” to Adam, the fall might never have taken place. Therefore, the woman is instructed to take the place of a learner (quietness) and one of subjection (full submission) to the man.

Now… we are told in the Scripture that the woman is not to teach or exercise authority over the man and remember this is part of Paul’s instructions for worship service. This doesn’t eliminate women from teaching at all or writing books that help men or being in full-time ministry or teaching their children. I learned a great deal about Christian living, knowledge of the Scripture, and examples of lives from women in my life like Annette, Kim Cheng, and my mother. Timothy was taught about the faith from his mother and grandmother (2 Timothy 1:5). Among Paul’s co-workers were great women like Priscilla, Euodia, and Syntyche. Most of them held positions of responsibility in the church. And are you not amazed by faithful women like Ruth, Esther, and Deborah in the Old Testament? Superb! Years ago, I concluded that in salvation, discipleship, and status as God’s children, we – men and women – are equal. But in matters of headship and leadership, men should take the lead. If family, church, or organization doesn’t work properly, men are to be the first to take responsibility not women!

About the last verse (v.15), I have to admit, I’m still confused and don’t know which interpretations or believes I should hold. For sure the woman should continue to “live in faith, love, holiness and modesty” (NLT).

Readers, either you agree with me or not,

Lord, I try to be as faithful to your Word as possible.

I’m not afraid of men, but forgive me if I put errors in your Word. Amen.

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Timothy, Tell the Women to Be Modest in Their Appearance (1 Timothy 2:9-10, Women Only)

“And I want women to be modest in their appearance. They should wear decent and appropriate clothing and not draw attention to themselves by the way they fix their hair or by wearing gold or pearls or expensive clothes. For women who claim to be devoted to God should make themselves attractive by the good things they do”
(1 Timothy 2:9-10, NLT)

Here is a passage that women (and men too!) would like to shy away from in this day in which we live. Read these verses over and over again and let God’s Word say exactly what it say to you, and “remember, it is a message to obey, not just to listen to” (James 1:22). But let the ladies be glad and rejoice for Paul doesn’t mean that a woman is not to be attractive. What he says is that women shouldn’t be seductive (tempting, enticing, and causing someone to sin), instead, they “should make themselves attractive.” Seductive, no; attractive, yes! I believe that there is nothing wrong for a woman to be beautiful outwardly. As a man, I have to admit, my first impression toward a woman is her appearances, decency and appropriateness.

Having said that, let me now point out that a woman – Christian woman, especially – must guard her God-given modesty. God is creation has made the man to be drawn to the woman physically and the woman need to recognize this and dress in such a manner as to guard her modesty. Woman are usually much more fashion-conscious than are men in general. There is nothing wrong with fashion or style. However, as for Paul, it is not a mere matter of fashion or style, but what he wrote here is a definite moral and spiritual issues which is at stake. God says thru Paul that a woman is to be modest. Society today, on the other hand, says a woman is to be liberated, free and self-expressive in their appearances. To some extent, it’s true. But you – woman – have to decide whether you are going to obey God and be right with Him or be conform to the world.

Paul is not saying in this passage, as some mistakenly interpret, that a woman is not to wear any gold, pearl, fix her hair or wear expensive clothing (of course you may, if you can afford it). All he says is that these things are not to be her most attractive side. These are not to be the things that “draw attention” to her. This passage is in the context of worship service… and it would be a disaster if people draw attention to you rather than to God!

So what should make a Christian woman attractive? Her good deeds. “For women who claim to be devoted to God should make themselves attractive by the good things they do.” Attractiveness should begin inside a woman. NLT Life Application Study Bible comment on this passage: “A gentle, modest, loving character gives a light to the face that cannot be duplicated by the best cosmetics and jewellery in the world. A carefully groomed and well-decorated exterior is artificial and cold unless inner beauty is present.”

Women (and men too), think about these things.

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Jesus brings Unity in Diversity (The Gospel of Peace)

“Soon afterward Jesus began a tour of the nearby towns and villages, preaching and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom of God. He took his twelves disciples with him, along with some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases. Among them were Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons; Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s business manager; Susanna; and many others who were contributing their own resources to support Jesus and his disciples” (Luke 8:1-3, NLT).

People have often wondered why Jesus never called any women in the way he called the twelve disciples. Knowing the character of the disciples as we do, Jesus invitation to “follow me” wasn’t given based on some kind of impressive resume. In the culture of the day, established business people and leaders would be prohibited from the travelling lifestyle the disciples had. Peter, James, John, and the rest needed a specific challenge; the women, however, simply responded to Jesus’ character and words – they followed. Women were at the cross, while the disciples hid. They were also at the tomb early while the eleven grieved, and so they were the first to discover the joyful of Jesus’ resurrection.

The three women – Mary Magdalene, Joanna and Susanna –were written in the Christian history. Mary Magdalene had been afflicted with multiple demons, which Jesus expelled. This explanation captures the basis for this Mary’s connection with Jesus. She filled the void evil left behind with devotion to the One who set her free. Joanna, on the other hand, was a woman with social influence and an important husband, which shows that Jesus drew followers from every strata of society. Susanna, who is not mentioned anywhere else in Scripture, may have been a person widely known during Jesus’ time.

These three and other women would probably not have been allowed to carry out public duties like preaching and baptizing, but the Scripture notes that they used their personal means to support the efforts of Jesus’ travelling band. They partnered in ministry with their money (Btw, this shows that Jesus and his disciples were not wealthy and materially rich. Thus, I sometime wonder, what is the basis of today’s prosperity gospel teaching in the light of Jesus’ earthly life and ministry?). Yet these women also bore witness to Jesus’ power in their lives. Their presence made practical the “preaching and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom of God.” Citizenship in Jesus’ Kingdom was open to women too. No discrimination. Jesus wasn’t simply speaking about an ideal Kingdom that might be achieved at some future date. He was modelling the diversity, unity and love of people whose connection to one another through Jesus Christ overcame any other barrier. Here the writer was describing an early form of community that would later be called the church (ekklesia), the ones called out by God for his purposes.

Think about this: As Jesus invested in the lives of others, he ignored many of the social barriers that kept people separate such as gender, race, nationality, social class, language, personality, etc. This breaking down of walls is still a hallmarks of the Kingdom of God. Remember – Peter, John, James and Andrew were fisherman; John and James were called “Son of Thunder” due to their vengeful and fiery attitudes; Philip and Bartholomew were ‘good-boys’ very well versed in the Hebrew Scriptures; Matthew an ex-tax collector; Thomas the doubter; James of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus and Judas Iscariot were probably members of the revolutionary group called the Zealots; Saul of Tarsus or Paul was a Pharisees; maybe Nicodemus remained a Pharisees; and on and on. Jesus brought all of them together. You and me together. Us and them together. Jesus brings the Gospel of peace.

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Be Gentleman, Treat Women Respectfully

Since half of the world’s population (or more) is female, a man who can’t get on with women is seriously handicapped in his social life. There is a greater need for men to be firm and yet – gentlemen.

Treat women with respect, just as Jesus did. He never looked down on them, ridiculed them or ignores their feelings. He was understanding and patient. He was a good listener. Notice how Jesus dealt with the Samaritan woman in the Gospel of John chapter 4. Even though she was sort of bad moral character Jesus treated her with the utmost respect.

In Galatians 5:22-23: “[The] Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (NLT). Here is one aspect of the Spirit’s fruit that a man should develop in his relationships with woman at every level: Gentleness. The New Spirit Filled Life Bible defines gentleness as "a disposition that is even-tempered, tranquil, balanced in spirit, unpretentious, and that has the passions under control. The word is best translated 'meekness,' not as an indication of weakness, but of power and strength under control. The person who possesses this quality pardons injuries, corrects faults, and rules his own spirit well".

“Gentleness” is being warm and considerate, qualities which flow from security in God and a reserve of inner power. The man who, by contrast, is pushy, self-assertive and abusive towards women is not real gentleman at all!

Be like Jesus

Be gentleman

Treat all women with respect

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Jesus, a Religious Leader and a Sinful Woman

Jesus had been invited to the home of one of the religious leaders, a Pharisees named Simon for a meal. Simon wanted to test him.

Just after Jesus had taken His place at the table, a woman burst in. She obviously hadn’t been invited. The scripture said: “When a certain immoral woman from that city heard [Jesus] was eating there, she brought a beautiful alabaster jar filled with expensive perfume. Then she knelt behind him at his feet, weeping. Her tears fell on his feet, and she wiped them off with her hair. Then she kept kissing his feet and putting perfume on them.” (Luke 7:37-38, NLT)

Notice what Jesus didn’t do here. Although she was labeled as immoral woman, Jesus didn’t send her away. Although she was quite rude, Jesus didn’t reject her. Although she was obviously a sinner, Jesus didn’t ask her to repent or to confess (her actions said it all!). Although she was too open to do all the above in public, Jesus didn’t tell her to meet him later in private – He wanted everyone publicly to see, to hear and to learn.

Notice how Simon responds to all these in his heart: “If this man were a prophet, he would know what kind of woman is touching him. She’s a sinner!” (Luke 7:39) Jesus, knowing what was in Simon’s heart, told him a parable to explain what was happening. The parable: A man was owed money by two others. One owed ten times as much as the other. Neither could pay, so the man let them off.

Then Jesus asked Simon this question, “Who do you suppose loved him more after that?” Simon answered, “I suppose the one for whom he canceled the larger debt” (Luke 7:42-43). After that obvious answer, Jesus then launched into a firm but compassionate rebuke to Simon for not doing to him any of the things that he suppose to do for Jesus that the woman had done. Jesus said the woman tears, her hair and her perfume were proof of her grateful heart and love for him. Her love was so evidence that she don’t have to say a word to express her believes that Jesus can forgive her sins (this is faith). Therefore, she showed much love.

Jesus didn’t tolerate her sin here. Jesus didn’t deny her many sin. He acknowledged that the woman’s sins were many, but insisted that they had all been forgiven. Jesus said to the woman, “Your sins are forgiven” (Luke 7:48). And as you know, those who don’t understand what real forgiveness is – will out burst into an outrage! They are like the people there who talked among themselves: “Who is this man that he goes around forgiving sins?” (7:49)

Like many religious people today, the people who heard Jesus said – “Your sins are forgiven” – were angry and doubtful that Jesus claimed the authority to forgive sins (which they believed belonged only to God. And there are right!). They were angry because Jesus had offered the immoral woman (not them) as an example of love toward God. They didn’t realize that Jesus was their God present in person – the forgiving God. Jesus Christ is the Son of God who comes to them as the Son of Man to receive sinners into the Kingdom of God and to restore their broken relationship with Him.

Do you know why she was so broken and yet gratefully welcomed Jesus?

Do you know how this woman’s sins were forgiven?

Do you realize that you can do the same too?

Jesus said to her (and maybe to you):
“Your faith has saved you; go in peace” (Luke 7:50, NLT)

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.