Love

Godly men must love. Contrary to popular/cultural belief, love is not sentimentality, weakness, or mere emotion. It is the defining mark of Christ’s followers and the heartbeat of biblical manhood. Jesus declared that the greatest commandment is to love God with all our being and to love our neighbor as ourselves (Matt. 22:37-39). Paul taught that without love, even the most impressive acts are empty (1 Cor. 13:1-3). Love is not optional for godly men; it is essential. It shapes every role a man fills and every influence he bears.

At work, godly men must love by showing respect, patience, and fairness. This does not mean ignoring excellence or accountability, but it does mean treating others as image-bearers of God. Paul told the Galatians that faith expresses itself through love (Gal. 5:6). Awareness of this expression should transform our daily interactions, whether with colleagues or customers. Love at work is seen in kindness instead of harshness, encouragement instead of condescension, and integrity instead of selfish gain. When a man loves in this way, he leads others in an environment where Christ’s character is on display, even in ordinary tasks.

In the home, godly men must love as Christ loved the church–sacrificially and unconditionally (Eph. 5:25). A husband’s love should be expressed in protecting, providing, and cherishing his wife, not in demanding from her. A father’s love should be seen in nurturing and instructing his children without exasperating them (Eph. 6:4). Love in the family is not passive; it is active and steady, even when it costs time, energy, or personal preference. When a man loves well at home, his family experiences a glimpse of Christ. Such love builds trust, fosters security, and shapes the hearts of those who look to him for guidance.

In the church and in society, godly men must love by serving others and seeking their good. Jesus said the world would know His disciples by their love for one another (John 13:35). Such love extends beyond the walls of the church, reaching into neighborhoods, workplaces, and public life. Love in the community looks like compassion for the hurting, fairness for the marginalized, and forgiveness toward the offender. John wrote that whoever claims to love God but hates his brother is deceived (1 John 4:20). Godly men, therefore, cannot compartmentalize their love; it must be visible wherever they are, for love reflects the God who first loved us.

To love as God commands us is no small task. It requires daily surrender and reliance on the Holy Spirit of God. Yet when men love with a Christlike love, they bear witness to the greatest truth: that God Himself is love (1 John 4:8). Godly men must love because love is not only what they give, but also who they are in Christ.