So I’m going to make three points: 

1. Manhood Is Not Fragile — It’s Firm in Christ

Let’s start here: Being manly is not about domination, pride, or aggression. It’s not about how much we bench press or how loud we talk.

Being a man, in God’s eyes, is about servant leadership, moral strength, and spiritual responsibility.

The Bible is full of strong men who wept.

David, a warrior king, cried out to God in brokenness.

Jesus, the ultimate man — wept at Lazarus’ tomb and stood up for the woman caught in adultery.

Sensitivity is not weakness. It is strength under control.

We can open our hearts and still stand tall.

We can listen to women — and still be leaders in our families and church and community.

We can embrace equality — without erasing identity.

2. Respecting Women Is Not Compromising Masculinity

Let’s be real: The world has changed. Conversations about gender equality and other gender issues and roles can make us feel uncomfortable, even defensive.

But as Christian men, we don’t take our cue from culture. We take it from Christ.

Jesus didn’t treat women as inferior. He elevated them — from Mary Magdalene to the woman at the well. He listened, he dignified, he protected.

We can do the same.

Being sensitive to gender issues doesn’t mean we stop being men — it means we start being more like Jesus in how we treat women.

Equality doesn’t mean sameness. God made men and women with differences — and value in both.

So yes, we can lead in our homes, church and community — but with sacrificial love, not control.

Yes, we can be strong — but with gentleness, not dominance.

Yes, we can be protectors — but not because women are weak, but because God made us strong for their flourishing, not our pride.

3. Tradition Brings a Purpose, Not Just a Pattern

Some of us come from homes where men didn’t show emotion. Where being vulnerable was considered soft. Maybe even where women were seen but not heard.

Let’s honor our roots, but let’s also be bold enough to grow beyond what was handed to us.

Tradition should be a foundation, not a prison.

If our tradition doesn’t line up with the way Jesus loved, listened, and led — it might need an overhaul.

We are not here to conform to culture OR to nostalgia. We are here to conform to Christ.

What Does This Look Like Practically?

In the home: Let’s listen more. Let’s invite our wives and daughters into decision-making. Let’s model love that leads through service, not force.

In the church: Let’s continue to affirm the gifts of women in ministry — not just tolerate them or just go to men for spiritual guidance.

In the workplace and society: Let’s speak up when we see gender (or any other for that matter) injustice or discrimination — even if it’s uncomfortable.

True masculinity doesn’t fear change — it engages it with wisdom, prayer, and courage.

A Final Word: From Micah 6:8

“He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you?

To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

Let’s be men who act justly toward all — including women.

Let’s be men who love mercy — in our homes, churches, and communities.

Let’s be men who walk humbly — knowing our strength comes from God, not from ego.

We don’t have to choose between being strong and being sensitive.

We don’t have to choose between honoring women and honoring tradition.

We can — and must — do both.

So let’s be the kind of men the world needs — and more importantly — the kind of men God is calling us to be.