Lesson for the Week

Only a Gentleman Will Do
(01/14/09)

Have you ever seen the movie ‘Pride and Prejudice‘, or read the book by Jane Austen? Personally, I’ve never read the book, but I’m a huge fan of the movie. I think part of what fascinates me about that story is the time period it was written in. Women seemed to act with such gentility; and men seemed to show much more respect to women during that time than they do today. Am I right? I mean, face it ladies, how many of us have dreamed about meeting that perfect gentleman? We all want to be with someone who treats us with honor and respect. If you’re married, then you want to see that characteristic in your husband. If you’re single, then you‘re just hoping to see it. This is a message to each of you. Stop looking. Regardless of how good or bad that man in your life may treat you, He is not your source. The perfect gentleman you’ve been waiting for all your life has always been right next to you. His name is God.
The first thing we need to remember is “God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.” (1 John 4:16, NIV). Now, let’s look at the definition of love given to us in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” (NIV). In my mind, these words describe the full character of a perfect gentleman. He is patient and kind. He does not work in envy or greed, and He is not boastful or proud. He is not rude or selfish. He is slow to anger; and when you confess your sins, not only does He forgive, He forgets (Hebrews 8:12). He always tells the truth; and in protecting us, He helps us to trust, and hope, and persevere. He never fails. Let God be your perfect gentleman. Let Him treat you with more love and respect than you‘ve ever known. Not only will you begin to see Him through new eyes, you may begin to see yourself through His eyes: His treasure.