Ladies, and Gentlemen, I am happy to announce that chivalry is not dead. It may, in fact, be sleeping, but fear not… It goes without saying that this situation is pleasing to Christ. The following verse references how men are to treat women:
1 Timothy 5:2 KJV
The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity.
It is easy to fall these days into a male vs. female mindset ( and vice versa ). This passive-aggressive attitude is a device of Satan’s designed to seed division among the brethren. I do not want to promote that at all. I think loving behavior on both sides needs to be cultivated and celebrated.
A few days ago, I had a chance encounter with a true gentleman. A man named Kyle, bowed ever so slightly and extended his arm gallantly, gesturing for me to go ahead of him. He also added words sweet to my ears, “After you.” Smiling, I told him I appreciated that so much and that he made it apparent that gentlemen still exist. I asked him if he were a Christian. He misheard me and replied “I’m not Christian, I’m Kyle.” I got a big laugh out of that and shared it with him. He told me he was raised in a Christian home. I praised his parents for raising him right. He responded that he would pass that along. Since he was on his way out, that was pretty much the measure of our conversation. I blessed him and he responded you too and left.
Kyle, wherever you are, thank you. I actually shed a few tears as I thought of this gift of gallantry (I know, I am an incredible softie at times). He really touched me and contributed greatly to my sense of worth that particular day.
Both Men and Women need to be treated with gentle hearts and loving hands. As I thought about Kyles’s behavior, I examined the posture of my own heart towards men. At times, I can judge them harshly based off of negative assumptions. Kyle’s words and actions opened my eyes to my own behavior. I shouldn’t be coming to conclusions quickly about a man’s intentions. It’s not right, and it’s not Christian.
And in the “battle of the sexes”, that can be considered a “win-win”.
-Melanie DiLeo
Great thoughts, Melanie!
I am personally happy that I live in an area where men, myself included, most often open the door for women. And I believe that women do appreciate it because of all the kind comments and smiles.
It’s not like that where I used to live in New York. When I am visiting up there, I am rarely thanked or smiled at for holding the door but frequently get a scowl or nasty comment.
Have a great and blessed day, Melanie, know that I would gladly open the door for you!