Manner of Attendance

In times past, a gentleman was recognized, among other ways, by the manner in which he was attended. Our modern gentleman, in contrast, should be recognized, first and foremost, by the manner in which he attends to those around him.

If indeed, believers are to be known by the love we show, and if indeed, the second of the greatest commandments is to love our neighbours, then it should be of the utmost importance to our gentleman that he be constantly aware of the needs and desires of those around him. In a future discussion, I will further describe my idea of the manner of servitude that the gentleman should possess, but for the moment, I shall merely say that he should, in all things, be prepared to offer his time and his strength [a young man's cherished commodity and his greatest glory (Prov. 20:29)] to those in greater need of it than himself, and perhaps even less; always considering the needs and tasks of others as greater than his own. This is a matter of love and of honour.

See the Gospel of Matthew 22:37-40; the Gospel of John 13:34-35; the First Epistle of John 3:11-24