What does real strength look like?

Is it losing control when someone makes you angry - or having enough strength to control yourself? Is it proving you can hurt someone, or possessing the power to do damage and choosing not to?

In this episode of the Sharpening Men Podcast, Tom Henry continues Week 5, “Jesus: The Model Man,” by confronting one of the most misunderstood characteristics of Jesus: meekness.

Somewhere along the way, men began treating meekness as another word for weakness. But Jesus said, “I am meek and lowly in heart” (Matthew 11:29) - and Jesus was anything but weak.

Meekness is strength submitted to God and governed by love.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Why meekness does not mean weakness
• Jesus as the perfect example of strength under control
• Why uncontrolled anger isn't evidence of strength
• The difference between reacting and responding
• Why forgiveness can require more strength than revenge
• How another person can control you when they can control your reactions
• Learning patience and mercy from the way Jesus has treated us
• Allowing Jesus to control our strength

TODAY'S CHALLENGE

Identify one situation where you normally react instead of respond.

Maybe it's something your wife says, a situation at work, your children, or someone from your past. When that trigger comes today, don't react immediately.

Stop. Pray. Control your mouth, control your hands, and control your attitude. Then ask:

“How would Jesus respond here?”

Choose meekness - not because you're too weak to respond differently, but because you're strong enough to let Jesus control your strength.

JOIN US SATURDAY

If you're in or around Blytheville, Arkansas, join us for the Sharpening Men Breakfast every Saturday at 9:00 a.m.

Ruddle Road Church of God — Back Building
1400 S. Ruddle Rd.
Blytheville, AR 72315

It's completely FREE and open to men 18 and older. You don't have to pretend you've figured everything out. Come eat breakfast and sit down with other men who are trying to grow too.

SHARE THIS EPISODE

Think of one man who struggles with anger or has confused strength with aggression his entire life. Send him this episode - but don't send it pointing a finger.

Send it saying, “This challenged me too.”

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Questions, prayer requests, testimonies, or just need someone to talk to?
Email Tom: tom@sharpeningmen.org

Nobody gets sharp alone.