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When Is A Man A Man?

The above article title by an unknown author, provides us with the following description of the qualities that should be resident in a “man’s man” (the apostle Paul was such a man). Related Scriptures are included:

When he [man] can look over the rivers, the hills, and the far horizon with a profound sense of his own littleness in the vast scheme of things (2 Corinthians 12:11; Ephesians 3:6-8; 1 Timothy 1:15), and yet have faith, hope, and courage — which is the root of every virtue (2 Peter 1:1-8; cf. Hebrews 11).

When he knows that down in his heart, every man is as noble, as vile, as divine, as diabolic, and as lonely as himself, and seeks to know, to forgive, and to love his fellow man (2 Corinthians 2:1-11; 2 Timothy 1:1-4).

When he knows how to sympathize with men in their sorrows, yea, even in their sins — (Philippians 2:25-27; Romans 12:15; Gal. 6:1-2), knowing that each man fights a hard fight against many odds (2 Corinthians 4:1-13; Ephesians 6:11-12).

When he has learned how to make friends (Proverbs 17:17; cf. Deuteronomy 15:7-11; 1 John 3:14-18), and to keep them, and above all, how to keep friends with himself (Matthew 22:39).

When he loves flowers, can hunt birds without a gun, and feels the thrill of an old forgotten joy when he hears the laughter of a little child. When he can be happy amid the meaner drudgeries of life (2 Corinthians 7:4; Philippians 2:17; Colossians 1:24).

When the star crowned trees, and the glint of sunlight on flowing waters, subdue him like the thought of one much loved and gone home. When no voice of distress reaches his ears in vain, and no hand seeks his aid without response (Proverbs 3:27-28; cf. Genesis 47:13-27).

When he can look into a wayside puddle and see something beyond mud, and into the face of the most forlorn fellow mortal and see something beyond sin (Romans 10:1; 1 Corinthians 9:22). When he knows how to pray, how to love, how to hope (Matthew 6:9-13; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; Matthew 5:44; Romans 12:20; 1 Thessalonians 2:19).

When he has kept faith with himself, with his fellowman, with his God (Acts 20:17-27; 2 Timothy 4:5-7); in his hand a sword for evil (Ephesians 6:17), in his heart, a bit of song (Acts 16:25) — glad to live, but not afraid to die! (Gal. 2:20; Philippians 1:20-23; 2 Timothy 4:6).