As a young boy growing up, I was taught that expressing emotions was a sign of weakness. It was believed that noble and Christian men simply did not indulge in showing their feelings. This unspoken rule of stoic masculinity was passed down through generations. In a world dominated by the idea that “real men don’t cry,” I struggled between the pressure to remain strong and the innate need to feel.

However, with time and the wisdom of experience, I have come to rethink these convictions. My father, a man of faith and fortitude, told me after his brush with death, “Expressing feelings is not a failing but an act of courageous vulnerability.” His words rang with newfound profundity and altered the paradigm of manhood that I had been conditioned to accept.

As Christian men, we are taught to emulate the compassion and humility of Christ, who himself was not averse to expressing his emotions. Breaking down the misconceptions that have held men captive to their feelings, let us delve into why vulnerability is not a sign of weakness but a testament to strength.

Expressing our feelings cultivates deeper connections. When we allow ourselves to show vulnerability and share our worries, fears, and hopes, we invite others into the innermost sanctums of our hearts, thus fostering deeper, more meaningful relationships. Genuine relationships require transparency, which begins with being true to ourselves and our feelings.

Facing our feelings helps us evolve. The emotional resilience it takes not to suppress our feelings but instead confront them head-on is nothing short of heroic. It fosters self-awareness, builds emotional intelligence, and ultimately helps us grow.

As Christian men, we are called to be authentic, and being real means acknowledging, feeling, and expressing our emotions. It’s high time we let go of any stereotypes hindering our emotional health and redefine what noble manhood means for our generation and those to follow. Our emotions are not the enemy; suppressing them is. Embracing our feelings does not make us any less of a man, but it paints a picture of strength in our vulnerability. Remember, Jesus himself displayed emotions – He wept, felt distress, and expressed anger, yet we still regard Him as our Savior and King.

Let’s reflect on the life of King David, who was considered a man after God’s heart. His psalms are a beautiful testimony of a person who was not afraid to express his emotions, whether it was joy, despair, anger, or doubt, to his Creator. David’s vulnerability did not weaken his strength; rather, it was his willingness to surrender and open his heart before God that made him a person of great faith and character.

Let’s lay down the notion that vulnerability equals weakness. Instead, let it be known that showing empathy and sensitivity makes us more Christ-like. In these moments of expressing our rawest, often most profound feelings, we are emulating the perfect man Himself – Jesus Christ. “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” – Colossians 3:12

In this verse, Apostle Paul does not describe the virtues of a weak man but rather the mark of an honorable Christian gentleman. He underscores that leading a life of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience is the true sign of strength.

My fellow Christian men, let us lean into our feelings, express them with sincerity, and start practicing vulnerability. Your courage to embrace your emotions and express your feelings permits others to do the same, and in doing so, we build stronger, healthier relationships with each other and with God. Therefore, do not hide your emotions, do not suppress your feelings, and most importantly, do not fear vulnerability. For in weakness, we are made strong in Christ.

May we all learn what it truly means to be men of noble character, champions of vulnerability, promoters of emotional health, and devotees of Christ’s love.