Elevating Respect for Women

Scripture

Matthew 27:55; Mark 5:34

Many women were there, watching from a distance. They had followed Jesus from Galilee to care for his needs. (Matthew 27:55)

He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.” (Mark 5:34)

Jesus Christ elevated respect for women to its highest level. He showed respect in the way he talked to women, the way he talked about women, and how he acted toward women. Matthew mentions specific women who, from the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, have been there to support Him, and that includes financially.Women knew how much Jesus respected them. As Jesus was on the cross, these same women were there for Him. In fact, the women followers of Jesus showed more courage when Jesus was dying on the cross than his male followers. Mark shares with us a specific incident where a woman had been hemorrhaging for 12 years and could not get any relief. While in a crowd, the woman touched the hem of Jesus’ garment and she was instantly, gloriously healed. Jesus knew that energy had gone forth from Him. He identified the woman who had touched Him and praised and affirmed her great faith. Jesus took many opportunities to affirm women.Men could learn a lot from the women who followed Jesus, and every man should look to Jesus as the preeminent example of a masculine man showing great esteem for women. Real masculinity emulates Jesus’ attitude toward women.

Tips on Respecting Women:

1. Treat every woman with respect with your words to them.
2. Show respect for women by the way you look at them.
3. Demonstrate respect for women by the way you speak about them.
4. Promote those biblically consistent things that are important to women.
5. See every woman, based on her age, as a mother, daughter, or sister in Christ.

A real man never hurts a woman. Be very careful when you make a woman cry because God counts her tears. The woman came out of a man’s rib, not from his feet to be walked on, and not from his head to be superior, but from his side to be equal. Under the arm to be protected, and next to the heart to be loved. – Anonymous

Wingman, I encourage you to write a note to the women in your life (wife, daughter, mother, sister, assistant) and thank them for all they do to make your life better. Be as specific as possible.   Give all women your respect.