#mightymanofgod

“A man of nobility is a gracious man.”

A gracious man is someone who will show you the mercy you need rather than the justice you deserve. In Psalm 103, we can see how God demonstrated this kind of heart with those who sin against Him.

8 The Lord is compassionate and gracious,    slow to anger, abounding in love. 9 He will not always accuse,    nor will he harbor his anger forever; 10 he does not treat us as our sins deserve    or repay us according to our iniquities. (Psalm 103:8-10 NIV)

We know how much God hates sin. We, as His servants, should hate sin too. Yes, there’s nothing wrong with having high standards against it but not to the point of legalism (or being legalistic, excessive conformity to the law).

Some of us are so stiff and strict when someone commit mistakes. (Apparently, I’m guilty of it.) As a result, people around them live in fear of offending or giving them disappointments. If you make a mistake, you will receive merciless retribution swiftly. Little did we know, this kind of manner only makes people more likely to falter, make faults and go wrong. Worst case, it makes people live a miserable life.

Q: Who would enjoy working with someone like this? Being in a family like this? Or God forbid, being in a church like this?

Looking at Jesus’ ministry, the first disciples, the apostles made a lot of mistakes too. Wondering what Jesus had established with them? Jesus created an atmosphere of openness. They openly express their opinions with no hesitation. If you are wrong, you will be corrected, and Jesus did it with grace and compassion.

Let’s learn from Jesus’ example. Be gracious to your people and stop trying to make everything a federal case. Avoid making them afraid of committing even the smallest mistake just because you appear to them as a monster and that you will harshly reprimand them.

You’re an angel. As early as now, let us both take steps to change immediately.

“A man of nobility puts himself last; he is unselfish.”

“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:4)

Unselfishness is to think of others before thinking of himself. One of his marks is being a thoughtful servant. A guy like this doesn’t get tire of finding ways to serve, how to show respect and he will try his best to make you feel honored and important. To be with this person is to have his mind and attention fixed upon you.

--

Q: Am I being unselfish? Or am I always consumed by my own thoughts and concerns?